Coco Gauff beats Aryna Sabalenka to clinch French Open crown

Straits Times

11 hours ago

PARIS – Coco Gauff battled back from a set down to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final for the second time with a dramatic victory in the French Open showpiece on June 7.
The second-ranked American dug deep to claim a 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier and her second Major title after also defeating Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open.
Before the trophy presentation, an announcement instructed fans to watch the big screen for a highlights reel of the women's tournament – Sabalenka chose not to, understandably, and covered her head with a towel.
'I didn't think honestly that I could do it. The crowd really helped me (get back into the match),' said Gauff.
'I'd like to congratulate Aryna. You're a fighter. You're the No. 1 player in the world. I know today was a tough match, but you deserve all the results you've been having. Every time we play, it's such a tough match for me.
'I'd 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. You guys probably believe in me more than I do myself. To my brothers at home, you inspire me more than you know. To all my family at home, thank you.
'I'd like to thank my team. You guys have been a joy to be around... pushing me and also making it fun. I know sometimes I'm not the easiest and I can be so serious. But you remind me there's more to life than tennis. That's what makes me play better on the court. I appreciate you guys so much.'
The 21-year-old became the first American woman to capture the singles title since Serena Williams in 2015, and the youngest from the United States to achieve the feat since her decorated compatriot in 2002.
She is also the youngest player to win women's singles Grand Slam titles on multiple surfaces since Maria Sharapova did so at Wimbledon in 2004 and the US Open in 2006.
Paris was guaranteed a new champion but the first clash between the top two women in the world rankings in a Grand Slam final since the 2018 Australian Open initially failed to live up to its billing on a blustery Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Competing in her third straight Grand Slam final but first on the sport's slowest surface, Sabalenka broke to love in the third game with smart play at the net and mixed deft drop shots and raw power to lead 4-1 in the first set.
Gauff broke back from 40-0 down after a shaky service game by Sabalenka and hung on to draw level after eight games.
What followed was a festival of mistakes from both players in challenging conditions before Gauff forced a tiebreak with a neat backhand winner, only to squander a 4-1 advantage as Sabalenka roared back to take the opening set.
Gauff barely flinched and she dialled up the intensity in the second set by claiming four of the opening five games and levelled the match after her rival's unforced error count climbed to 51.
The 2022 Paris runner-up stepped up another level in the deciding set to build a 3-1 lead before Sabalenka clawed her way back, but she composed herself just in time and wrapped up the win to spark wild celebrations among her fans.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, was in tears as she was called up to receive her runner-up trophy.
'This will hurt so much,' she said.
'Honestly guys this one hurts so much. Especially after such a tough two weeks. Playing great tennis and then in these terrible conditions to show such terrible tennis in the final, it really hurts. Thank you to my team. I am sorry for this terrible final.
'But it's ok. Anyway, Coco congrats. In these tough conditions, you were a better player than me. Well done on a great two weeks. Congrats on the second Slam. You're a fighter. Congrats to you and your team.
'As always I will come back stronger.' AFP, REUTERS
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