Coco Gauff wins French Open: Michelle Obama, Billie Jean King, Carlos Alcaraz and more congratulate the 21-year-old star
On Saturday, Coco Gauff etched her name into tennis history as the winner of the 2025 French Open. The 21-year-old tennis phenom defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, getting a huge comeback to win her first title at Roland-Garros, and her second Grand Slam.
After Gauff's big win, the young American earned the praises of a number of big names, who applauded Gauff for her tenacity and talent.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama congratulated Gauff for her French Open run in a post on X, alongside a video of Gauff's championship point.
"Your determination, strength, and grace throughout the French Open has inspired us all — and showed us what's possible. Proud of you!" Obama wrote.
Billie Jean King, the founder of the WTA, saluted Gauff on social media soon after her victory, congratulating her on her accomplishments. "Outstanding!" King added in the post.
Gauff was also praised by another young tennis star, Carlos Alcaraz. "Many congrats @CocoGauff!!!" he wrote on X. Alcaraz will play in his own French Open final on Sunday, against Jannik Sinner.
Notably, after Gauff won the match, the first person she greeted was director Spike Lee, who she hugged before she'd even hugged her own parents. Lee, a noted sports fan, was one of many familiar faces in the crowd at Roland-Garros on Saturday.
Gauff also earned some praise from actor Matthew McConaughey, who congratulated Gauff for her "2nd major and 1st on clay."
In an unexpected crossover, the Miami Heat took the time to honor Gauff for her win, noting the tennis champ's South Florida roots. Gauff, who was born in Atlanta, grew up in Delray Beach, Florida.
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