American tennis star Coco Gauff claimed her second career Grand Slam singles title and first at Roland Garros after defeating top-ranked women’s tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final on Saturday. The 21-year-old’s victory marked the first time an American had won the title since Serena Williams’ 2015 triumph, reigniting hopes in U.S. tennis. Gauff’s win also brought her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 U.S. Open victory over Sabalenka, with the two meeting again in a Grand Slam final.
The two-hour-plus match between the world No. 1 and No. 2 saw an intense exchange of power, with Sabalenka taking a 4-1 lead in the first set before Gauff rallied to force a tiebreaker. Despite the early deficit, Gauff took control in the second set, building a 4-1 lead and ultimately claiming the set 6-2. The young American continued her dominance in the third set, sealing the victory on second match point after Sabalenka’s backhand went wide. The win marked Gauff’s first French Open singles title, adding to her 2024 doubles title at the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Gauff expressed gratitude for the French crowd’s support, acknowledging their role in her victory. “The crowd really helped me today. You guys were cheering for me so hard, and I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd,” she said. “But I appreciate you, guys.” The win not only solidified Gauff’s place among the elite of women’s tennis but also highlighted the potential of a new generation of American players in the sport.