Coco Gauff Wins First Roland-Garros Title, Defeating Aryna Sabalenka in Thrilling Final

Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old American tennis player, won her first Roland-Garros title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final (6-7, 6-2, 6-4). This is her second Grand Slam victory, following her US Open 2023 win over Sabalenka. Gauff succeeds Iga Swiatek, the three-time defending champion, to claim her second Grand Slam title.

Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old American tennis player, has won her first Roland-Garros title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4. This victory marks Gauff's second Grand Slam title, following her triumph at the 2023 US Open, where she also defeated Sabalenka. Gauff's victory comes on the heels of Iga Swiatek's three-year reign as the defending champion.

The match, played on Saturday, June 7, 2025, was a thrilling three-set affair. Gauff, ranked No. 2 in the world, recovered from a dramatic 78-minute first set tiebreak loss to win the match in two hours and 38 minutes. The American's resilience and strategic play were key factors in her victory, as she outlasted Sabalenka, the world No. 1, to secure her second major trophy [1].

Gauff's win is significant for several reasons. She becomes the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. Additionally, at 21 years old, Gauff is the youngest American to win the Roland-Garros title since Serena Williams' first French Open title in 2002 [4]. Her victory also marks the first Grand Slam women's final between the world No. 1 and No. 2 since the 2018 Australian Open [1].

Sabalenka, who led 4-1 in the first set, struggled to maintain her dominance throughout the match. Gauff's relentless speed and aggressive play were crucial in turning the tide of the match. Sabalenka, despite her power and experience, was unable to capitalize on her early lead, ultimately losing to Gauff's strategic comeback [2].

Gauff's win has significant implications for her career and the sport. She will receive €2,550,000 for her championship efforts, which will boost her ranking and earnings. Sabalenka, despite her loss, remains No. 1 in the PIF WTA Rankings and the Race to the WTA Finals Riyadh by large margins [1]. Gauff's victory also highlights the growing competitiveness and depth in women's tennis, with young players like herself challenging the established order.

In conclusion, Coco Gauff's victory at Roland Garros is a testament to her skill, resilience, and strategic play. Her win not only solidifies her status as a top player but also marks a significant milestone in American tennis history.

References:

[1] https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4280339/gauff-defeats-sabalenka-at-french-open-wins-second-grand-slam-title
[2] https://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/live/french-open-womens-final-coco-gauff-outlasts-aryna-sabalenka-to-win-first-title-at-roland-garros-120018916.html
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/07/french-open-womens-final-report-coco-gauff-aryna-sabalenka
[4] https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rg2025-womens-final-sabalenka-gauff
[5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2025/06/07/coco-gauff-becomes-first-american-woman-since-serena-williams-to-win-french-open/