Gauff on Roland-Garros glory: “This is one I really wanted”

The American now has two Grand Slam titles to her name

Coco Gauff ( USA ) celebrates during the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros on Juin 07 , 2025 in Paris, France. ( Photo Dante Badano / PSNewz ) –

A. SabalenkavsC. Gauff

Coco Gauff now has good vibes when it comes to the Roland-Garros final. After her straight-sets destruction by Iga Swiatek three years ago, she now has her maiden French Open title in the bag – a fine comeback in tough conditions against Aryna Sabalenka, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4.

It is the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the world No 2, who adds this trophy to her US Open title of 2023.

“I think the first one [Grand Slam] was maybe more emotional, but I think this one was just harder because, you know, you win one, and you just don’t want to get satisfied with just that one,” she said in her press conference.
Coco Gauff ( USA ) celebrates with the trophy during the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros on Juin 07 , 2025 in Paris, France. ( Photo Dante Badano / PSNewz ) –
“So it was very difficult to match up. And I also felt like this is one I really wanted, because I do think this was one of the tournaments that when I was younger that I felt I had the best shot of winning. So I just felt like if I went through my career and didn’t get at least one of these, I would feel regrets and stuff.

“Today, playing Aryna, I was just, like, I just gotta go for it and try my best to get through the match. Yeah, that’s what I did.”

“It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done”

She agreed with Sabalenka’s earlier comments that the weather conditions were difficult, with the Philippe-Chatrier roof open.

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Tennis Majors

“It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind because we warmed up with the roof closed. I was, like, this is going to be a tough day, and I knew it was just going to be about willpower and mental.

“Yeah, it really came down to the last few points, but overall I’m just really happy with the fight that I managed today. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done, and that’s all that matters.”

But the 21-year-old added that she had done her best to ignore Sabalenka’s on-court frustration.

“I was aware a little bit, but also, I don’t pay attention too much, especially against Aryna because I’ve seen her get mad and then go on a tear. So I was just trying not to pay attention to it today.
Coco Gauff after her defeat in the final of the 2022 Roland-Garros (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)
“I knew I was frustrated, maybe I didn’t show it as much, but in my head I was frustrated. I know if I’m frustrated, then my opponent has to be frustrated.

“Yeah, it was not a day for great tennis, honestly. I don’t know too many people that could play great tennis today, but you know, it’s part of the sport and part of playing outside. You just don’t know what to expect, especially in Paris.”