PARIS — Coco Gauff won the French Open for the first time, beating top-ranked Alina Sabalenca 6-7 (5), 6-2 and 6-4 in the final on Saturday.
The second gorff came out on a contest full of tension and momentum to win her second major trophy after the 2023 US Open.
It was the number one and second final in Paris since 2013 when Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapois.
After Sabalenka sent a backhand at Gauff’s second match point, the 21-year-old American fell on his back and covered his face with both hands before placing the forehand on the clay. After greeting Sabalenka online, she hugged filmmaker Spike Lee and celebrated with her close aides three years after losing her first final at Roland Garos.
Sabalenka began the decision set strongly and stuck to her high-risk approach to hosting her first service game.
Gouf responded by leveling up and winning a great rally in the third game, cheering and applause from the crowd. After a fierce exchange of drop shots, Gauff hits a lob that Sabalenka chased before attempting a shot between his legs – only to have Gauff intercept it on the net and finish with the winner.
Gauff was consistent from the baseline, scoring the breakpoints that Sabalenka converted when he double folded, giving him a 2-1 lead. Sabalenka turned towards her box and cried out in frustration, but then regained her composure and fought back to level the match 3-3.
However, she broke again with love, and Gauff served twice, twice to win the title after a match that lasted 38 minutes.