Coco Gauff defeats Aryna Sabalenka to claim 2025 French Open title

Summary

• Coco Gauff won her first French Open title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling final at Roland Garros on June 7, 2025
• Gauff overcame a first-set loss, using her defensive skills and speed to outlast Sabalenka, marking her second Grand Slam victory after the 2023 US Open
• The match highlighted their close rivalry, with Gauff now leading their head-to-head 6-5, solidifying her status as a rising tennis star

Paris, France – In a thrilling showdown on June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff emerged victorious over world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win her first French Open women’s singles title at Roland Garros.

The 21-year-old American battled back from a set down to secure a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in a match that showcased her resilience and defensive prowess on the clay courts of Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The final, a clash between the top two seeds, began with Sabalenka asserting her power, taking the first set in a tight tiebreak after leading 4-1 and holding two set points at 5-4. Gauff, however, refused to wilt under pressure. Her speed and defensive skills forced errors from Sabalenka, who struggled to maintain her early dominance. Gauff dominated the second set 6-2, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s errors to level the match.

In the decisive third set, the momentum swung back and forth. Sabalenka earned a break point, but a critical wide return handed Gauff a chance to seize control. The American held firm, breaking Sabalenka’s serve and clinching match point when Sabalenka’s cross-court shot sailed long. She collapsed onto the clay in disbelief, soaking in the moment as the crowd erupted in applause.

“It’s surreal to win here after losing in 2022,” Gauff said, referencing her defeat to Iga Swiatek in her first French Open final. “I learned the sun still rises the next day, and that perspective helped me fight today.”

Her victory marks her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open triumph over Sabalenka, and makes her the youngest women’s champion at Roland Garros since 2007.

Sabalenka, visibly emotional, apologized to her team for what she called a “terrible final” but vowed to return stronger. Despite the loss, her path to the final was formidable, having ended Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros in a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 semifinal victory.

“Coco played unbelievably,” Sabalenka said. “I’ll use this to fuel me for the next one.”

The match, which lasted over two hours, highlighted the even rivalry between the two, with their head-to-head now standing at 6-5 in Gauff’s favor. Gauff’s ability to extend rallies and exploit Sabalenka’s errors proved decisive, particularly in the heavier conditions under the closed roof due to Paris’s unsettled weather.

Tennis legend Andy Roddick, who predicted Sabalenka’s edge in such conditions, praised Gauff’s adaptability. “She made it messy, used her legs, and turned it into her kind of match,” he noted.

Rennae Stubbs, a former coach, emphasized Gauff’s need to improve her first serve percentage, which she did effectively, landing key serves to fend off Sabalenka’s aggressive returns.

Gauff’s road to the title was marked by consistency, dropping just one set throughout the tournament. Her semifinal demolition of French wildcard Lois Boisson, ranked 361st, showcased her dominance, as she won 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. Sabalenka, meanwhile, had reached her third consecutive Grand Slam final, underscoring her status as a formidable force despite falling short of her fourth major title.

As Gauff lifted the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, her family watched with pride, holding back tears. The victory solidifies her as a rising star and a serious contender for the world number one ranking. For now, she basks in the glory of conquering the red clay of Paris, a dream she described as “meaning everything” to her career.

The 2025 French Open final will be remembered as a testament to Gauff’s grit and growth, cementing her place among tennis’s elite.