
Audio By Carbonatix
Coco Gauff won the first French Open singles title of her career by fighting back to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster final.
American second seed Gauff claimed a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 victory after a tense battle between the WTA Tour's two leading players in testing conditions.
It is the second Grand Slam singles triumph of Gauff's career, adding to the US Open title she won in 2023, also by beating Belarus' Sabalenka.
"I honestly didn't think I could do it," Gauff, 21, said during the trophy presentation.
Gauff recovered from a difficult start where she trailed by a double break, eventually finding her rhythm and benefiting from a huge number of mistakes from 27-year-old Sabalenka.
"This hurts so much. Congratulations to Coco - she was a better player than me," said Sabalenka, who was also bidding for her first Roland Garros title.
A stiff breeze played havoc with serve in the opening two sets, leading to the pair exchanging 12 breaks in an entertaining if not high-quality affair.
Gauff, who lost in the 2022 final, settled quicker in the deciding third set to move a break up and kept her nerve to serve out victory.
She had to survive another break point before winning her second championship point, falling to the clay on her back when Sabalenka pushed a forehand wide.
With her parents Candi and Corey dancing euphorically in the stands, Gauff shared an affectionate hug with Sabalenka before running off court to celebrate with her family.
Latest Stories
-
Efua Sutherland Park land belongs to the state, Armah-Kofi Buah tells Parliament
28 seconds -
‘Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana’ – OSP insists despite US court ruling
1 minute -
African countries must finance their own health systems – Akandoh
1 minute -
Three injured as trailer crashes into 8 vehicles at Asokwa flyover in Kumasi
7 minutes -
Chief of Staff urges Ghanaians to uphold integrity, shared values for national development
8 minutes -
CNC reaffirms commitment to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage
10 minutes -
Assemblies of God Church pays tribute to Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II
11 minutes -
No more pen and paper by end of July for lottery operations – NLA boss
13 minutes -
Russia, Ghana explore cooperation in nuclear energy, fertiliser production and mining
35 minutes -
GACL reminds public to seek approval for cultural performances at airport
38 minutes -
Russia allocates 120 scholarship slots for Ghanaian students for 2026/27 academic year
38 minutes -
Tourism Ministry takes over former Finance Annex Building to boost operations
39 minutes -
Minority cites ‘major defects’ in Wontumi judgment, vows legal, parliamentary action
42 minutes -
Dozens hurt in Bologna protests after man dies while being restrained by police
44 minutes -
KATH appeals for more support as wheelchair shortage hampers patient care
45 minutes