'One I really wanted': Coco Gauff claims emotional French Open title, fulfills long-held dream
Coco Gauff of the U.S. kisses the trophy after winning the final of the French Open. (AP Photo)
Coco Gauff called it 'one I really wanted' - and now, she finally has it. The 21-year-old American tennis star secured her first
French Open
crown in dramatic fashion, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in swirling, testing conditions at Roland Garros on Saturday.
Gauff, who lost in the 2022 French Open final to Iga Swiatek as a teenager, made good on her promise to return stronger, surviving a nervy start and harsh winds that challenged both players. 'It was not a day for great tennis, honestly,' Gauff admitted. 'I don't know too many people that could play great tennis today, but it's part of the sport and part of playing outside.'
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Yet Gauff's heart and resilience outshone the conditions. 'I felt like this is one I really wanted,' she said post-match. 'When I was younger, I felt I had the best shot of winning this tournament. If I went through my career and didn't get at least one of these, I would have felt regrets.'
The win holds even deeper meaning for Gauff, who vividly recalled the moment Swiatek lifted the trophy two years ago. 'I remembered trying to take it all in and feel like I wanted that experience for myself,' she reflected.
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'So when the [US] anthem got played today, I kind of had those reflections.'
The victory makes Gauff the first woman since
Venus Williams
in 2005 to beat a world No. 1 from a set down in a Grand Slam final. She dismissed Sabalenka's post-match comment that Swiatek would have beaten her: 'I don't agree with that. I'm sitting here.'
American filmmaker Spike Lee, cheering courtside, added a slice of pop culture to the triumph. 'Even though the Knicks didn't win, I gave him something to cheer for,' Gauff said with a smile.
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