Coco Gauff has cemented her place among tennis legends by securing her first Roland-Garros title, defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set showdown at Court Philippe-Chatrier on Saturday evening.
The 21-year-old American displayed remarkable resilience after losing a gruelling first set in a tense 78-minute tiebreak. With unwavering determination, Gauff rallied to overpower her Belarusian opponent, sealing the match with a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in two hours and 38 minutes.
Gauff is the first American woman to win the Roland-Garros singles title since Serena Williams in 2015, and the youngest American to do so since Williams in 2002. Her achievement has earned her the title of “New Queen of Paris”
She expressed her emotions after the match, saying: “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it. But I’m gonna quote Tyler, The Creator right here: ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.’ I think I was lying to myself, and I definitely could do it. Shout out to Tyler.”
This triumph marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam win, following her breakthrough victory at the US Open in 2023. Her Roland-Garros triumph is historic—not only is she the first American to claim the title since Serena Williams in 2015, but she is also the youngest American to achieve this feat since Williams’ 2002 championship.
Gauff’s victory was celebrated across the tennis world, with fans and analysts hailing her as the “New Queen of Paris.” Her ability to dismantle Sabalenka’s powerful game and showcase extraordinary athleticism and composure under pressure highlighted why she is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
With this win, Gauff solidifies her position as a dominant force in women’s tennis. As she lifts the Roland-Garros trophy, all eyes are now on her future as she continues to build a legacy of Grand Slam success.
