Coco Gauff captured her first French Open singles title, outlasting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 final. 

The American second seed’s victory marked her second Grand Slam triumph, following her 2023 US Open win—also against Sabalenka.

“This one feels tougher than my first,” said the 21-year-old Gauff. “You can’t settle for just one.” Overcoming a shaky start, where she fell behind by two breaks, 

Gauff rallied as Sabalenka’s errors mounted in windy conditions at Roland Garros. The Belarusian, 27, aiming for her first Paris title, admitted, “Coco was the better player today. This loss stings.”

The match, a clash of the WTA’s top two, saw 12 service breaks across the first two sets, with gusty winds disrupting play. Gauff found her footing in the decisive third set, breaking early and holding firm. 

Facing a break point in the final game, she sealed victory on her second championship point when Sabalenka’s forehand sailed wide. 

Gauff collapsed onto the clay in elation, later sharing a warm embrace with her opponent before celebrating with her jubilant parents, Candi and Corey, in the stands.

Reflecting on her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek, where she left the court in tears, Gauff said, “I was battling dark thoughts back then. 

Returning here as a champion means everything.” Her recent clay-court success, including finals in Madrid and Rome, had positioned her as a favorite over defending champion Swiatek.

Despite neither player at their peak in the challenging conditions, Gauff’s resilience shone through. “Three finals this season, but this win is what counts,” she said, her joyful tears a stark contrast to 2022’s heartbreak.

Source: BBC

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