Gauff Triumphs Over Sabalenka to Capture Her First French Open Title

Coco Gauff has made history by winning her first French Open title, defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final. The match, held on Saturday, ended with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. This victory marks Gauff’s second major trophy, following her triumph at the 2023 US Open, where she also came back from a set down to beat Sabalenka.

The final was intense, showcasing the skills of both players. Gauff, ranked second, faced Sabalenka, the world number one, in a match that was the first of its kind in Paris since 2013. That year, Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova, making this final only the second of its kind in the last 30 years.

The match started with Sabalenka taking the first set after a closely contested tiebreak. However, Gauff quickly found her rhythm in the second set, displaying her powerful baseline game and earning a decisive victory in that set. The third set saw Sabalenka begin strongly, but Gauff raised her level, winning critical rallies and breaking Sabalenka to take the lead.

After a tense exchange, Gauff broke Sabalenka again, ultimately sealing her victory after 2 hours and 38 minutes of play. When Sabalenka sent a backhand wide on Gauff’s second match point, the young American fell to the ground in disbelief, overwhelmed with emotion. After the match, she shared a warm embrace with Sabalenka and celebrated with director Spike Lee and her team.

This win is a significant milestone for Gauff, who just three years ago lost her first final at Roland-Garros. Her journey to this title reflects her growth as a player and her resilience on the court. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what the future holds for this talented young athlete.