We’ve been watching this moment build since the spring—when Coco’s fire lit up during the Miami Open—and now she’s done it again, claiming her first French Open title in dramatic fashion. In a gutsy three-set comeback, the 21-year-old American defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, making her the first American woman to win at Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.
And yes, that makes two Grand Slam titles for Coco. The legacy is happening right before our eyes.
“I didn’t think honestly that I could do it… I think I was lying to myself, because I could do it,” Coco said after accepting the trophy from four-time champ Justine Henin.
The match was intense from the start. Sabalenka, coming off a win over Gauff in Madrid, looked like the favorite early on. She powered through the first set, led 4-1, and even had 40-0 on serve—but Gauff never gave in. She weathered the wind, nerves, and 70 unforced errors from her opponent to claim the win. Her court coverage? Stellar. Her mental game? Unbreakable.
A Victory Beyond the Court
This wasn’t just a win for Coco—it was a moment for representation and resilience.
“There’s a lot going on in our country right now,” Gauff said. “Just being that reflection of hope and light for people who maybe don’t feel supported right now… that means everything to me.”
We saw Spike Lee high-five her. Barack and Michelle Obama sent congratulations. But the most powerful moment? Gauff collapsing on the clay, whispering “Oh my god” to herself in disbelief. She earned every bit of that glory.
What’s Next
Gauff is only 21, and she’s already holding multiple Grand Slam titles and making history for American tennis. But it’s not just about trophies—it’s about how she wins: with heart, with hustle, and with a whole generation behind her.
At Neon Gurl, we’ve covered Coco’s evolution—from her breakout moments as a teen to this dominant 2025 run. And we’ll be here every step of the way as she continues to rewrite what’s possible for young women in sports.
