Gauff Secures Maiden Roland Garros Title, Second Major Victory

PARIS: In a remarkable comeback, Coco Gauff triumphed over world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final at Philippe-Chatrier on Saturday, claiming her second Grand Slam title.

Gauff, at 21 years old, becomes the first American woman to seize the singles title since Serena Williams in 2015, and the youngest from the United States to accomplish this achievement since Williams in 2002.

Sabalenka, competing in her third consecutive Grand Slam final, initiated strongly by breaking serve in the third game. Employing a tactical combination of net play, precise drop shots, and sheer force, she established a 4-1 advantage in the opening set, ultimately winning it in a tiebreak.

Gauff displayed resilience after losing the first set, elevating her intensity in the second. She managed to win four of the initial five games and leveled the match as her opponent’s unforced errors escalated to 51.

Following her triumph in the second set, Gauff commenced the third with a 3-1 lead. Sabalenka countered to tie the score at 3-3 with a backhand winner on breakpoint. However, Gauff, the 2022 Paris runner-up, regained her composure and concluded the game flawlessly, igniting celebrations among her supporters.

“I genuinely doubted my ability to achieve this. I faced numerous challenges when I last competed here three years ago, and I am grateful to return. I experienced a lot of dark thoughts,” Gauff expressed.

This victory signifies Gauff’s first Roland Garros title and her second major trophy, following her 2023 US Open win.