A brand new tennis champion has been topped. Coco Gauff now joins the ranks of Althea Gibson and Serena Williams because the third Black girl in historical past to win the French Open.
Not solely is Gauff’s accomplishment a serve for Black historical past, but in addition a win for america. She has develop into the primary American girl to win the competitors, extensively referred to as Roland-Garros, since Williams in 2015. Gibson turned the primary Black girl to take action in 1956.
COCO GAUFF HAS DONE IT 🏆#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/WUZFaCwXYk
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
Gauff secured her victory on June 7 by beating the No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. She overcame a deficit on a windy day on the courts to develop into the French Open’s newest champion at simply 21 years previous. Gauff beforehand scored one other grand slam win, overpowering Sabalenka throughout the 2023 U.S. Open.
The accomplishment introduced Gauff to the tennis court docket ground in shock and amazement. Following the win, Gauff advised reporters how she didn’t initially imagine that she may take residence the trophy.
“I didn’t assume, actually, that I may do it,” Gauff stated on the courts, as reported by Forbes. “However I’m gonna quote Tyler, The Creator proper right here. He stated, ‘If I ever advised you I had a doubt inside me, I have to be mendacity.’ I’d like to depart that with you guys. I believe I used to be mendacity to myself, and I undoubtedly may do it. Shout out to Tyler.”
Her competitor, Sabalenka, additionally didn’t assume extremely of Gauff’s sport. The tennis participant for Belarus caught flak for degrading Gauff’s efficiency within the match.
“She gained the match not as a result of she performed unbelievable, simply because I made all these errors,” Sabalenka stated.
Sabalenka then referenced one other competitor, Iga Świątek, whom she believes would even have gained. Upon listening to Sabalenka’s rebuff of her expertise, Gauff dismissed the surly remark.
“I imply, I don’t agree with that. I’m right here sitting right here [as the champion],” she responded. “No shade to Iga or something, however final time I performed her I gained in straight units. I don’t assume that’s a good factor to say, as a result of something can actually occur.”
Gauff additionally stored issues targeted on her personal supporters, who helped her earn one other championship. Regardless of her 2023 U.S. Open win, Gauff had struggled to achieve the end line, additionally dropping throughout the 2022 French Open finals.
“I’d wish to thank my dad and mom,” Gauff stated. “You guys have accomplished quite a bit for me, from washing my garments to holding me grounded and giving me the idea that I can do it. You guys in all probability imagine in me greater than I do myself. I actually admire and love you guys. To my brothers at residence, you’re the rationale I do that. You encourage me greater than you already know. To all my household at residence, thanks.”
Now, she will be able to have fun her latest accolade that has made her a tennis legend, identical to Gibson and Williams.
“I’d wish to thank my workforce. I had three finals, however I received crucial one. I suppose that’s all that issues,” added Gauff. “You guys have been a pleasure to be round, and also you guys are individually actually nice individuals. Pushing me and likewise making it enjoyable. I do know typically I’m not the best, and I might be so critical. However you remind me there’s extra to life than tennis. That’s what makes me play higher on the court docket. Thanks individually, to all of you. I admire you guys a lot.”
Gauff will take residence $2.9 million in prize cash for her historic feat.
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