Coco Gauff Conquers Past Challenges to Secure First Roland-Garros Title Against Aryna Sabalenka

Reflecting on her painful experience from the Roland-Garros final three years ago provided Coco Gauff with the drive she needed to clinch her first title at this prestigious clay-court tournament.

The 21-year-old American triumphed over top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 early on Sunday morning (AEST) to secure her second Grand Slam title, following her US Open victory two years prior.

“The win at the US Open was more emotional, but this one was tougher,” Gauff stated, noting her ability to manage both the challenging conditions and the momentum shifts better than Sabalenka.

“I was aware that it would come down to willpower and mental resilience.”

This victory erased the haunting memories of her 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek, where Gauff, just 18 at the time, felt completely overwhelmed even before stepping onto Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“It was a difficult period; I was questioning myself,” Gauff reflected.

“I found myself in tears before the match, so anxious that I felt like I couldn’t breathe.”

The memory of that lopsided defeat shook her confidence significantly, leaving her in what she described as “a dark place”, where she worried that perhaps she wasn’t meant to win major titles.

“I kept thinking if I couldn’t manage this, how would I ever handle it again?” she explained.

However, she handled it superbly this time.

Gauff, ranked second, minimised her errors and kept her emotions in check, besting Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final once more after having come back from a set down to defeat the Belarusian at the 2023 US Open.

After lifting the winner’s trophy, she kissed it several times and placed her hand over her heart during the US national anthem.

“This trophy is heavy,” Gauff remarked. “It feels amazing to hold it.”

Gauff became the first American woman to triumph at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.

This final was the first showdown between the top two seeds in Paris since 2013 when Williams overcame Maria Sharapova, and it marked only the second occurrence of such a match in the last three decades.

When Sabalenka sent a backhand wide on Gauff’s second match point, the young American collapsed onto her back, covering her face with her hands as tears streamed down her cheeks before rising and placing a hand over her mouth in disbelief. She continued to sob as she touched the clay with her left hand.

After a heartfelt exchange at the net with Sabalenka, Gauff thanked the umpire and shouted with joy and relief before dropping to her knees, leaning forward in tears as she savoured the triumph.

She celebrated with her crew, including film director Spike Lee, and expressed gratitude towards the fans.

“You all were cheering for me with such fervour,” she exclaimed. “I can’t express how thankful I am for your love and support in France.”

One thing Gauff still has to work on is her victory speech in French.

“I completely bombed that,” she admitted, promising to improve next time.

“I might not manage a full speech, but I will have something prepared for the French crowd next time.”

Sabalenka commended Gauff for her tenacity, remarking that she earned the victory, but noted that the blustery conditions led to a match filled with errors.

“This is going to sting for a while,” Sabalenka shared. “Coco, congratulations, you were the better player today under the tough circumstances.”

Both competitors struggled in the opening set, allowing for 21 break-point opportunities and accumulating 48 unforced errors between them, with Sabalenka committing 32 and still winning the set. Overall, she made 70 unforced errors throughout the match compared to Gauff’s 30.

Sabalenka showed signs of frustration, frequently chiding herself and glancing at her team for support, occasionally resting her head in her hands. At times, she shrugged as if to express her bewilderment.

Gauff maintained focus, fully aware that Sabalenka could unleash her best when required.

The first set seemed to be swinging Gauff’s way as she led 3-0 in the tiebreaker, but Sabalenka steadied herself and sealed the set with a volley.

Gauff levelled the match with a smash at the net, yet Sabalenka adhered to her high-risk strategy in the final set.

One thrilling rally in the third game drew loud applause.

After a brilliant exchange of drop shots, Gauff lobbied, which Sabalenka sprinted to back but attempted an outrageous shot between her legs — only for Gauff to intercept at the net.

It was a rare moment of brilliance in an encounter where swirling winds plagued both players, with the roof open.

“It was hard to plant my feet, the ball was moving so much,” Gauff remarked. “Honestly, it wasn’t a day meant for excellent tennis.”