Coco Gauff Becomes First American to Win French Open Since 2015

Coco Gauff staged a sensational comeback to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first French Opentitle, becoming the first American woman to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.

The 21-year-old, who has already captured the US Open as a teenager and the WTA Finals at 20, added another chapter to her blossoming legacy by edging Sabalenka 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 in a rollercoaster final that lasted 2 hours and 38 minutes on Saturday.

“I was going through a lot when I lost this final three years ago,” Gauff said in her emotional post-match speech. “I didn’t think I could do it, but I want to quote Tyler, the Creator: If I ever told you I had a doubt, I must be lying. I definitely could do it. So shout out to Tyler — and thank you, Paris.”

The last time the top two seeds met in the Roland Garros women’s final was in 2013, when Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova. This year, Gauff, seeded second, met Sabalenka, the tournament favourite, in a match brimming with drama, tension, and incredible shot-making.

Though Sabalenka initially overpowered the American, racing to an early break and capturing a chaotic first set through a tiebreak, Gauff regrouped. With renewed composure and confidence, she punished Sabalenka’s errors — which totalled among the match’s 100 combined unforced errors — and grabbed control of the second set with five consecutive breaks of serve.

In the decider, Gauff showed nerves of steel. Despite Sabalenka fighting back to 3-3, Gauff pounced on a critical double fault to reclaim the lead. After a tense final game, Sabalenka sent a forehand wide, and Gauff collapsed to the clay in tears of joy.

The victory also makes Gauff the youngest American woman to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd, but I appreciate you guys,” Gauff said. “We can rebuild. We can begin again. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time.”

For Sabalenka, it was a bitter pill after a powerful run to the final. But for Gauff, Saturday’s triumph cements her place among the elite and confirms what many have long believed — she is destined for greatness.