Coco Gauff has claimed her second Grand Slam title with a remarkable comeback victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open.
The 21-year-old American recovered from losing the first set to triumph 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 at Roland Garros.
After two hours and 38 minutes of intense tennis, Gauff fell to her knees on Court Philippe Chatrier as the crowd rose to applaud the new champion.
The victory marks her second major title following her US Open triumph in 2023, where she also defeated Sabalenka.
The French Open is Coco Gauff's second major title, after the US Open
Reuters
The American demonstrated champion qualities throughout the match, refusing to be overwhelmed despite Sabalenka's powerful start.
Her composed performance saw her overturn the momentum after dropping the opening set in a tight tie-break.
Sabalenka began the match in commanding form, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening set.
However, the Belarusian's game unravelled as she struggled with the windy conditions and her emotions, allowing Gauff to fight back.
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Aryna Sabalenka was left frustrated by her performance
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Despite twice serving for the first set, Sabalenka was forced into a tie-break where Gauff established a 5-3 advantage.
The world number one showed her class by winning four consecutive points, closing out the set with a drop shot and drop volley combination.
The second set saw a complete reversal as Sabalenka appeared emotionally drained whilst Gauff seized control. The American's relentless defence and improved aggression saw her dominate 6-2.
In the deciding set, Gauff broke for a 3-1 lead before Sabalenka levelled at 3-3. The American immediately broke again and held her nerve to secure victory.
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Gauff's victory makes her the first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams claimed the title in 2015. At 21, she is also the youngest American champion at Roland Garros since Williams in 2002.
The triumph establishes Gauff as a multiple Grand Slam champion, having previously defeated Sabalenka to win the 2023 US Open. Their head-to-head record now stands at 6-5 in Gauff's favour.
Three years after suffering defeat in her first French Open final against Iga Swiatek, Gauff has demonstrated her remarkable development.
She joins an elite group of players who have won multiple major titles before their 22nd birthday.
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Coco Gauff fell to the floor after winning the championship point
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The victory continues American success in the women's game and cements Gauff's position as world number two behind Sabalenka.
The match statistics revealed the stark difference between the two players' performances.
Sabalenka committed 73 unforced errors compared to Gauff's 30, a disparity that proved decisive in the outcome.
Whilst Sabalenka's emotions fluctuated dramatically throughout the match, showing visible anguish and elation after points, Gauff maintained remarkable composure.
The American remained positive and focused, displaying minimal emotion even when points went against her.
Gauff's defensive resilience proved crucial as she chased down every ball and extended rallies.
Her forehand, once considered a weakness, held firm with heavy topspin that pushed Sabalenka out of her comfort zone.
As the match progressed, Gauff gradually shifted from pure defence to imposing herself offensively.
She targeted Sabalenka's second serve and found opportunities to attack with her backhand, demonstrating the tactical maturity that secured her victory.
Following her victory, Gauff embraced her parents in an emotional celebration as tears flowed on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Her mother was waiting whilst her father sprinted down the stairs to share the moment with their daughter.
In her victory speech, Gauff thanked the crowd for their support. "I didn't think, honestly, that I could do it," she said. "The crowd really helped me. I am not sure what I did for that to happen."
She expressed gratitude to her team and parents, saying: "You guys are the reason I do this and inspire me more than anything."
Meanwhile, a tearful Sabalenka struggled with her emotions during the trophy ceremony.
"This will hurt so much," she told the crowd, apologising to her team for what she called a "terrible final" before vowing to "come back stronger".
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