Coco Gauff claims a three-set victory in French Open, beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka
Coco Gauff won the French Open for the first time by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in Saturday's final.
The American tennis player, who is ranked second in the world, came from a set down to beat Sabalenka and take home her second major trophy after the 2023 US Open.
The match between Gauff and Sabalenka was the first time since 2013 the world number one and number two fought for the French Open title and just the second in 30 years.
The match came to its conclusion on Gauff's second match point, when opponent Sabalenka sent a backhand wide.
The 21-year-old American fell onto her back, covering her face with both hands as she started to sob, then got up and held her hand over her mouth.
After greeting Sabalenka at the net with a warm hug and thanking the umpire, Gauff screamed out with joy and relief.
Speaking on court after her win, Gauff said her defeat in the same stadium in 2022 at the age of 18 put her in a 'dark place,' as she thanked her fans.
'The crowd really helped me today, you guys were cheering for me so hard and I don't know what I did to deserve so much love from the French crowd.
'But I appreciate you, guys.'
Her opponent, who fought back tears, praised her for being a "fighter" and said she deserved the win, but added that the windy conditions made for an error-strewn contest.
'This will hurt so much. Coco, congrats, in the tough conditions you were a better player than me,' Sabalenka said.
'Well done, great two weeks, and congrats on the second Grand Slam, it's well deserved.'
Whilst her first French Open singles' trophy, Saturday's win marks her second trophy from the Parisian tournament after winning last year's women's doubles title with Katerina Siniakova.
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