My win is for Americans who look like me, says French Open champion Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff became the first American woman in a decade to win the French Open.
Newly crowned French Open champion Coco Gauff, the first Black American to win the title in a decade, said on Saturday her victory in Paris was for people back home who looked like her and struggled amid ongoing political turmoil.
Gauff battled from a set down to beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 and lift her first French Open crown and her second Grand Slam title after the 2023 US Open.
She is the first Black American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.
'It means a lot (to win the title), and obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now with things – like, everything, yeah. I'm sure you guys know,' she said, smiling but without elaborating further.
'But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period, and so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.'
The ongoing political turmoil in the US follows the election of President Donald Trump last year.
Trump's first few months in office have featured an unapologetic assault on diversity and inclusion efforts, unravelling decades-old policies to remedy historical injustices for marginalised groups in a matter of weeks.
In his second term, Trump revoked a landmark 1965 executive order mandating equal employment opportunities for all, slashed environmental actions to protect communities of colour and ordered the gutting of an agency that helped fund minority- and women-owned businesses.
The actions have alarmed advocates, who say they effectively erase decades of hard-fought progress on levelling the playing field for marginalised communities.
'I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt a down period a little bit and my mom told me during Riyadh (in November 2024) 'just try to win the tournament, just to give something for people to smile for'.
'So that's what I was thinking about today when holding that (trophy).
'Then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. You know, some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I'm definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and I'm proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.'
Dumbstruck
Gauff was dumbstruck after her victory, admitting she did not think she had what it took to stop the Belarusian heavy hitter.
The 21-year-old battled from a set down to beat the top seed in just more than two and half hours.
'I didn't think, honestly, I could do it,' the American world No 2, who claimed her second Grand Slam title, said between tears.
'Three finals… I guess I got the most important win – that's all that matters.'
She had lost the clay court finals in Madrid and Rome before her win in Paris.
'I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago,' Gauff, who was runner-up to Iga Świątek in 2022, said. 'I'm just glad to be back here.
Gauff, who benefited from her opponent's 70 unforced errors, including six double faults, paid tribute to Sabalenka before posing for pictures with the ball kids.
'I would like to thank my parents. You guys have done a lot for me, from washing my clothes to keeping me grounded and giving me the belief that I can do it,' she said.
'You guys probably believe in me more than I do myself. I really appreciate and love you guys.'
Taking inspiration from American musician Tyler, the Creator, she said: 'If I ever told you I have doubt inside me, I would be lying.'
She has won both her majors after coming from a set down after her comeback win against Sabalenka at the US Open two years ago.
'I would like to thank you guys, the crowd helped me today,' she told the 15,000-strong crowd who supported her throughout.
'You guys were cheering for me so hard and I don't know what I did to deserve such support from the French crowd,' Gauff added, before dropping the lid of the Suzanne Lenglen Cup. Reuters/DM
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Newly-crowned French Open champion Coco Gauff, the first Black American to win the title in a decade, said on Saturday her victory in Paris was for people back home who looked like her and struggled amid ongoing political turmoil. Gauff battled from a set down to beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 and lift her first French Open crown and her second Grand Slam title after the 2023 US Open. She is the first Black American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. 'It means a lot [to win the title], and obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now with things — like, everything, yeah. I'm sure you guys know,' she said, smiling but without elaborating further. The champ's words 🎤 Coco Gauff's on-court interview following her win over Aryna Sabalenka. #RolandGarros — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025 'But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period, and so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.' There has been ongoing political turmoil in the US after the election of President Donald Trump last year. Trump's first few months in office have featured an unapologetic assault on diversity and inclusion efforts, unravelling decades-old policies to remedy historical injustices for marginalised groups in a matter of weeks. In his second term, Trump revoked a landmark 1965 executive order mandating equal employment opportunities for all, slashed environmental actions to protect communities of colour and ordered the gutting of an agency that helped fund minority and women-owned businesses. Coco's way ✨ #RolandGarros — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025 The actions have alarmed advocates, who say they effectively erase decades of hard-fought progress on levelling the playing field for marginalised communities. 'I remember after the election and it kind of felt a down period a bit and my mom told me during Riyadh [in November 2024] 'just try to win the tournament, just to give something for people to smile for'. 'So that's what I was thinking about today when holding that [trophy]. 'Then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. You know, some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I'm definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and I'm proud to represent the Americans who look like me and people who support the things I support.' Trump has previously denied claims he has employed racist attacks and an agenda throughout his political career.
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