In 2022, Coco Gauff walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier for her first Grand Slam final. But even before the first ball was struck, doubt crept in. “I wrote myself off before the match even happened,” she confessed years later. However, that day, her game was impacted by nervousness. She double-faulted early, dropped the first two service games, and crumbled in front of Iga Swiatek’s dominance, losing 1-6, 3-6 in just 68 minutes.
Three years later, everything has changed. Coco Gauff is now the WTA No. 2, a US Open champion, and no longer just a prodigy. Today, she returned to Philippe-Chatrier for her second French Open final. This time, with calm in her mind and power in her shots, she finally completed her unfinished business. Gauff lifted the Suzanne-Lenglen trophy, one that she had dreamt of since 2022.
Gauff overpowered WTA No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling match by 6(5)-7(7), 6-2, and 6-4 and lay down on the clay court with simply one expression, “Oh my God!”
Like 2022, she was again teary-eyed, but this time her emotions showcased something different- a warrior who knows how to rule the court!
Gauff showcased her composure and consistency to edge past Aryna Sabalenka in a tightly contested battle, claiming her second Grand Slam trophy. The American player served 3 aces to Sabalenka’s 2. Although both players struggled with double faults, Gauff committed only seven compared to Sabalenka’s six.
Gauff landed 63% of her first serves and won 60% of those points, a clear dominance over her Belarusian opponent, who had a lower first-serve percentage of 59% and won just 48% of those points. On second serve, Gauff was again stronger, winning 61% to Sabalenka’s 54%.
The WTA No. 2 performed exceptionally well in return games, winning 61 receiving points to Sabalenka’s 45. She also converted 9 of her 21 break-point chances, while the WTA No. 1 capitalized on just 6 of 13. Though Sabalenka claimed the only tiebreak of the match, it wasn’t enough to swing the momentum.
Gauff dominated in total points won (119 to 100), games won (18 to 13), and also won more service games (9 to 6). She performed extremely well, showing great poise under pressure, and became the youngest American to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002. Gauff is also the first American woman to lift the French Open trophy in a decade, after Serena Williams (2015).
“First I’d like to thank God…I was going through a lot of things when I lost this final 3 years ago. I’m just happy to be here,” Gauff began, holding the Suzanne-Lenglen trophy close to her heart. Then she turned to her parents, acknowledging how their support pushed her to this dreamy day.
“I’d like to thank my parents. You guys have done a lot for me, from washing my clothes to keeping me grounded and giving me the belief that I can do it. You guys probably believe in me more than I do myself. I really appreciate and love you guys. To my brothers at home, you’re the reason I do this. You inspire me more than you know. To all my family at home, thank you,” she concluded.
With heavy emotions in her voice, Gauff then shifted her gratitude to the team that stood beside her through every high and low.
“I’d like to thank my team. 3 finals, but I got the most important one. I guess that’s all that matters. You guys have been a joy to be around and you guys are individually truly great people. Pushing me and also making it fun. I know sometimes I’m not the easiest and I can be so serious. But you remind me there’s more to life than tennis. That’s what makes me play better on the court. Thank you individually, to all of you. I appreciate you guys so much,” she said.
She closed her speech with a nod to self-belief. “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it. But I’m gonna quote Tyler the Creator right here. He said ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying. I’d like to leave that with you,’ she said.
With the Suzanne-Lenglen trophy in her hands, Coco Gauff wasn’t just a champion, but a living proof of hard work. Paris, at last, had given her the ending she had once dreamed of.
Read more: Coco Gauff Grand Slams Won- How Many Grand Slams Does Coco Gauff Have?
