In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Coco Gauff emerged victorious over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first French Open title on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The 21-year-old American battled back after a tight first set loss to win 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a nail-biting final at Roland Garros' Court Philippe-Chatrier. The match lasted two hours and 38 minutes, showcasing some of the finest tennis of the season.
Gauff’s triumph marks her second Grand Slam singles championship, complementing her breakthrough US Open victory in 2023. She becomes the first American woman to win the Roland-Garros singles crown since Serena Williams in 2015 and the youngest American to do so since Serena herself in 2002. This victory also gives Gauff the edge in her head-to-head rivalry with Sabalenka, now leading 6-5 overall.
The final was a rollercoaster from the outset. Sabalenka, who was bidding for her first French Open title and her fourth Grand Slam singles crown, took the opening set in a tense tiebreak after 77 minutes. The top seed surged to a 4-1 lead early in the set and even held a 40-0 advantage in the sixth game. However, Gauff’s tenacity shone through as she rallied to win 12 consecutive points, leveling the set at 4-4 and forcing a fiercely contested tiebreak. Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline power and deft drop shots initially unsettled Gauff, but the American’s speed, defensive prowess, and mental toughness kept her in the match.
Despite Sabalenka’s dominance in the first set, her game began to unravel as unforced errors mounted. She committed 69 unforced errors in total, including six double faults, which contrasted sharply with Gauff’s steadier performance. Sabalenka’s frustration was visible, with moments of visible agitation toward her coaching box and a rare burst of emotion after a critical misplayed return in the third set.
The second set was a showcase of Gauff’s growing confidence and control. She dominated with aggressive returns and consistent baseline pressure, breaking Sabalenka multiple times to cruise to a 6-2 set win in just 35 minutes. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Gauff’s composed demeanor contrasted with Sabalenka’s struggles against the gusting wind and challenging conditions. Gauff’s return game proved crucial, as she relentlessly pressured Sabalenka’s serve, transforming defense into attack seamlessly.
Entering the deciding set, both players knew the stakes were immense. Sabalenka briefly regained momentum by holding serve to trail 2-3, but Gauff’s relentless pressure paid off when she broke Sabalenka again to take a 4-3 lead. This pivotal break came amid rain showers, with the roof open at Court Philippe-Chatrier, adding to the drama. Sabalenka’s frustration resurfaced as she shouted toward her coach’s box after a missed opportunity, signaling a crack in her composure. Gauff maintained her calm, steadiness, and strategic play, eventually sealing the match with a final backhand winner as Sabalenka sent a crucial shot long.
After the match, Gauff expressed gratitude and reflected on her journey. "I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago," she said, referencing her 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek. "I'm just glad to be back here. I was going through a lot of dark thoughts. Three finals ... I guess I got the most important win. That's all that matters." She also congratulated Sabalenka, saying, "You deserve all the results that you have." Gauff thanked her team for their support and the passionate French crowd, noting, "I don't know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd, but I appreciate you guys." Her appreciation extended to her family, coaches, and even a nod to rapper Tyler, The Creator, quoting, "If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying. I was lying to myself, so thanks to Tyler, and thanks to you guys."
Sabalenka acknowledged the defeat with sportsmanship, stating, "This hurts so much. Congratulations to Coco, she was a better player than me." Despite the loss, she will retain the No. 1 spot in the upcoming WTA rankings. Her journey to the final was marked by a stunning semi-final victory over three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek, in which she snapped Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros with a dominant 6-0 final set.
The 2025 French Open final also highlighted the evolving rivalry between these two stars. Their head-to-head was tied 5-5 before this match, with their last Grand Slam meeting being the 2023 US Open final won by Gauff. Sabalenka had recently defeated Gauff in the Madrid final on clay, underscoring the competitive balance between them. Both players have developed into formidable clay-court contenders, with Sabalenka’s improved patience and variety complementing Gauff’s exceptional speed and defensive game.
Off the court, the tournament featured notable moments, including the presentation of trophies by former champions Justine Henin and Andre Agassi. Henin, a four-time Roland Garros winner, presented the women’s trophy, while Agassi, the 1999 men’s champion, presented the men’s trophy. Earlier on the same day, Japan’s Yui Kamiji secured her fifth French Open wheelchair singles title, defeating Aniek Van Koot 6-2, 6-2, further adding to the day’s excitement.
The 2025 French Open women’s final was broadcast across multiple platforms worldwide, including TNT Sports channels and Max in the United States, Eurosport and Discovery Plus in the UK, TSN Plus and RDS in Canada, and Channel 9 and Stan Sport in Australia. Fans around the globe witnessed a masterclass in tennis, with Gauff’s victory signaling the rise of a new American star on the clay courts of Paris.
As the dust settles on this epic encounter, Coco Gauff’s poise, determination, and evolving game have cemented her status as one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis. Her victory at Roland Garros not only avenges her 2022 final defeat but also sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling career ahead. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka’s resilience and powerful game continue to make her a formidable force on the tour, ensuring that this rivalry will captivate tennis fans for years to come.
