Coco Gauff claimed her second grand slam title and first at the French Open by hitting back from a set down to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
The Belarusian claimed a tight opener but was then second best as the 21-year-old upped her level to win 6-7 (5/7) 6-2 6-4.
NEW QUEEN OF PARIS 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/eiesv9t1Aw
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
Sabalenka bossed the opening stages, surging into a 4-1 lead with Gauff looking nervous on her second appearance in the final at Roland Garros. She served for the set twice at 5-4 – wasting two set points – and 6-5 but could not get the job done as Gauff hung around admirably.
It was roles reversed in the breaker as Gauff led 4-1 only for her opponent to dig deep and edge ahead.
Two breaks of the Sabalenka serve gave Gauff the advantage in the second and, after an early break apiece in the decider, it was the American who gained the upper hand again by establishing a 4-3 lead.
Sabalenka saved one match point with a return winner that caught a slice of the line but Gauff was not to be denied and a backhand error from her opponent handed her the title, and a hug from Spike Lee watching courtside.
A New queen in Paris. 👑 @CocoGauff #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/PRA0TMErjh
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Gauff surprises herself
Gauff said: “I didn’t think I could do it but I’m going to quote Tyler, The Creator who said ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying’.
“I was going through a lot of things when I lost this final three years ago, so it means a lot to be back and here and to win.
“Aryna, you are a fighter, you’re the number one player in the world and I know today was a tough match but hopefully we will get to play again in the future.”
Sabalenka: I was terrible
Sabalenka was unimpressed with her display that saw her make 70 unforced errors in the match – 10 more than the previous worst in the tournament.
She said: “Honestly guys, this one hurts so much, especially after such a tough two weeks playing great tennis under these terrible conditions. To show such terrible tennis in the final does really hurt, but it’s okay.
“Congratulations to Coco. In these tough conditions, you were a better player than me.
“Well done on a great two weeks. Congratulations on a second Grand Slam, it is well-deserved. You are a fighter and a hard-worker.”
