Coco Gauff has etched her name into tennis history by capturing the 2025 French Open title, becoming the first American in a decade to triumph at Roland-Garros. With this career-defining victory, Gauff not only lifted her second Grand Slam trophy but also walked away with the tournament’s $2.9 million winner’s prize, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
The 21-year-old from Delray Beach, Florida, displayed incredible composure and resilience throughout the clay-court season, culminating in a commanding performance in the final against world No. 1 Iga Świątek. Gauff’s 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win snapped Świątek’s 19-match French Open win streak and marked a dramatic reversal of their 2022 final, in which Świątek had decisively beaten a then-teenage Gauff in straight sets.
This time, Gauff was the aggressor. With improved shot selection, stronger court coverage, and a more reliable serve, she dictated play from the baseline and attacked key moments with confidence. Her ability to neutralize Świątek’s forehand and force errors proved to be the difference, especially in a decisive third set where she surged ahead with early breaks and never looked back.
The win holds enormous significance for American tennis. Not since Serena Williams hoisted the trophy in 2015 has an American woman won the French Open. Gauff’s victory ends a decade-long drought and offers a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of U.S. stars to another. While Williams’ legacy continues to loom large over the sport, Gauff’s emergence as a consistent Grand Slam contender marks a new chapter—one defined by youth, athleticism, and a maturing sense of mental toughness.
Gauff’s path to the title was anything but easy. After surviving a tricky early draw that included a second-round scare against unseeded Czech teen Linda Nosková, she settled into a rhythm, defeating Top 20 players with increasing dominance. Her semifinal against No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina was a statement of intent, as Gauff overwhelmed the hard-hitting Kazakh with variety, patience, and strategic net play. That performance set the tone for the final, where she delivered arguably the best match of her career on the biggest stage.
Off the court, Gauff has continued to evolve
