It was the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 final in Paris since 2013, when Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova, and just the second in the last 30 years.
PARIS, France — Coco Gauff has won the French Open for the first time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in Saturday’s final.
The second-seeded Gauff emerged victorious in a tense match filled with swings of momentum, securing her second significant title following the 2023 U.S Open triumph, where she also overcame Sabalenka after being a set down in the final.
It was the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 final in Paris since 2013, when Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova, and just the second in the last 30 years.
Upon Sabalenka’s backhand error on Gauff’s second match point, the 21-year-old American dropped to her back, hiding her face with both hands and then placing her forehead on the clay court. Following a handshake with Sabalenka at the net, she embraced director Spike Lee and rejoiced with her supporters, marking a redemption from her defeat in her previous Roland-Garros final three years ago.
Sabalenka started the deciding set strongly, sticking to her high-risk approach to hold her first service game.
Responding with a surge in performance, Gauff elevated her game, clinching a remarkable rally in the third game that garnered thunderous cheers and applause from the spectators. Engaging in a gripping series of drop shots, Gauff executed a lob that Sabalenka scrambled to return, attempting a shot between her legs — only for Gauff to intercept at the net and deliver a winning shot.
Gauff was consistent from the baseline and earned a break point which she converted when Sabalenka double-faulted, giving her a 2-1 lead. Sabalenka turned toward her box and shouted in frustration but then regained her composure, breaking back to level the match at 3-3.
She was broken again at love, however, and Gauff then held serve twice to claimed the title after a match that lasted 2 hours, 38 minutes.
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