Coco Gauff produced a sensational comeback to win her first French Open title after outlasting Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a gripping final on Saturday.
Under the bright lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 21-year-old American dug deep after dropping the opening set to overpower the top seed in a match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes.
With nerves, history, and revenge all in play, Gauff weathered an early storm before shifting gears to dominate the second and third sets. Sabalenka, who had beaten her in their last two meetings, looked on course for victory after a commanding first-set tiebreak.
But Gauff, unflinching and inspired, flipped the script in dramatic fashion to become the youngest American to win in Paris since Serena Williams in 2002.
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Although the match began with uncertainty, Gauff showed remarkable resilience and determination. Sabalenka took an early 4-1 lead in the first set, capitalising on Gauff’s slow start and unforced errors.
However, the Floridian clawed her way back, pushing the set into a dramatic tiebreak. Despite Gauff’s spirited fightback, Sabalenka edged the opener, finishing with a grueling 19-shot rally that stunned the crowd.
But momentum quickly shifted in the second set. Gauff, visibly growing in confidence, started using her topspin-heavy forehands and tight defense to force errors. Sabalenka’s level dipped under the pressure, and the world number two took full advantage as she raced through the set in just over 30 minutes.
Gauff seals win after taking third set
The deciding set turned into a physical and mental war. Although Sabalenka briefly broke back to level things at 3-3, Gauff held firm after responding with clutch serving and smart point construction.
Her variety unsettled Sabalenka – ranging from deft drop shots to clean baseline winners – and gave the crowd reason to believe.
At 5-4, with the match on her racquet, Gauff showed nerves of steel. After missing her first match point, she made the second count. Thereafter, she collapsed in tears of joy as the final shot landed wide.
“I went through tough times after losing three years ago,” she said after lifting the trophy. “I’m just thankful to my team, my family, and the fans who never stopped believing.”
Tags: Coco Gauff, French Open, Aryna Sabalenka, Court Philippe-Chatrier, #RolandGarros, Serena Williams.
