Coco Gauff celebrated in Paris. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

Three-set thriller: Gauff wins the French Open

Coco Gauff won her first French Open title after three intense sets against Aryna Sabalenka.

June 07, 2025

From: dpa/tu

After her spectacular triumph at the French Open, Coco Gauff collapsed onto her back and placed her hands over her face. The American defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 in the final in Paris, thus celebrating her second Grand Slam title. Gauff had previously won the US Open in 2023 and lost the final in Paris in 2022 to Poland's Iga Swiatek. Against Sabalenka, Gauff converted her second match point after 2 hours, 48 ​​minutes.

After embracing Sabalenka at the net, Gauff knelt on the red clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier and looked in disbelief at her mother in the stands. Gauff formed a heart with her hands and tears welled up in her eyes. Sabalenka watched the scenes from her seat, deeply disappointed. She must continue to wait for her first title at Stade Roland Garros.

A weight was lifted from Gauff's shoulders. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

Sabalenka and Gauff delivered a thrilling duel in difficult weather conditions. In the strong wind, both players struggled with their serves, dropping eight serves in the first set alone. Sabalenka initially coped better with the weather and quickly took a 4-1 lead. The Belarusian dominated the match with her powerful shots and seemed on course for a quick set win.

But then Gauff improved and fought back. The American equalized at 4:4, but then faced two set points from Sabalenka. Gauff survived this phase as well, and the match went into a tiebreak. There, Sabalenka had the better nerve and won the first set on the third set point after 77 minutes.

Gauff dominates sets two and three

Sabalenka then briefly lost focus. Gauff took advantage of this and quickly pulled ahead 4-1 with two breaks. The wind died down somewhat, and Gauff adapted better to the new conditions. Although Sabalenka recovered a lost serve, Gauff was now the better player and managed to level the set.

Sabalenka struggled with her emotions. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

The American, who reached the finals of both Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome prior to the French Open, now had the momentum on her side. Gauff also managed one more break than her opponent in the deciding set. Although Sabalenka fought back from defeat, the world number one played too wildly in the decisive phases. Gauff, however, remained cool and deservedly won in the end.