Coco Gauff came to Paris chasing a lifelong dream, and now the 21-year-old American has carved her place in history. A teary-eyed Gauff held off world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 at the French Open Final in one of her finest career performances to capture her second Grand Slam in memorable fashion.
The win marks the first major title for an American on clay since Serena Williams in 2015, and it was Gauff’s first career victory in five tries over a top-ranked player in a major.
The finale was the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 at Roland Garros on the women’s side since 2013, when Williams defeated Maria Sharapova.
“I want to congratulate Aryna, you deserve all the results that you have,” Gauff said after kissing the trophy and pausing for the national anthem near center court. “I want to thank my team … you remind me there’s more to life than tennis, and I think that’s what makes me play better on the court. Thanks to the crowd for cheering for me so hard. I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd, but I appreciate you guys.
“I didn’t think honestly I could do it. I’m actually going to quote Tyler, The Creator right now: ‘If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I’d…
