When Cori Gauff Can Overcome Doubters

Cori Gauff won the French Open tournament, marking her second title at a Grand Slam event. She embraced the Suzanne Lenglen trophy during a photo session in the players' locker room after doubting her ability to win the tennis tournament on the clay court.

The American tennis player, better known by the nickname Coco, became the best women's singles player in the competition that took place over two weeks on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Paris, France. She won the championship after defeating Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in the final at Philippe Chatrier Court, Saturday (7/6/2025).

The 21-year-old tennis player became the first American to win the French Open since her idol, Serena Williams, in 2015. Except for Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who collectively won nine titles at Roland Garros between 1974 and 1986, American players have often struggled to win the French Open. They have faced tough competition from European players who are more accustomed to playing on clay courts.

The final between Sabalenka and Coco was a meeting of the top-ranked and second-ranked tennis players in the world, both of whom are Grand Slam champions. Sabalenka holds three Grand Slam titles from hard court tournaments (Australian Open 2023, 2024, and US Open 2024). After winning at Flushing Meadows, New York in 2024, she also reached the final of the Australian Open 2025 but lost to Madison Keys.

Coco has just won the 2023 US Open, but she has experience competing in the final of the 2022 French Open. At the age of 18 at that time, Coco struggled to keep up with Iga Swiatek, who ultimately won the 2022-2024 French Open. Nevertheless, she still recorded an achievement as the youngest Grand Slam finalist in nearly 18 years.

During the final of the 2022 French Open, which was her first final in a Grand Slam arena, Coco felt extremely nervous. Three years later, it turns out that feeling still persists. She doubts herself, questioning whether she will be able to handle the pressure of the final, especially in terms of mental pressure.

"I even cried. I was very nervous and had difficulty breathing. But I thought, if I can't handle it now, how can I cope with the same pressure in the future?" said Coco.

Coco then recalled the words of the rapper from his country, Tyler the Creator. "He said, 'If I tell you that I have doubts within me, I am definitely lying,'" he said.

Earlier this week, Coco also shared how she learned to cope with the pressure of playing in a Grand Slam final. Coco observed that many people around her had to struggle with difficulties greater than if she were to lose in the final.

Coco brought that mindset to the court. However, dealing with Sabalenka's game, which can hit hard and accurately with consistency, is not an easy task. This Belarusian tennis player carries a high level of confidence due to years of learning to cope with the challenges of playing on clay courts. One of the results is that Sabalenka won the WTA 1000 Madrid, three weeks before the French Open, by defeating Coco in the final.

Sabalenka started the final match with great confidence. Her powerful shots surged from the baseline, forcing Coco to scramble and exert all her abilities.

Coco, who has been consistent since the first round, experienced a double break, until she fell behind 1-4 (0-40), before finding her rhythm again thanks to her first serve which was more consistent compared to previous matches. On the other hand, Sabalenka lost her rhythm after repeatedly making unforced errors on important points.

Despite winning the first set via tie-break, Sabalenka's performance continued to decline as the winds hit the Roland Garros main court. With the stronger winds, she could no longer rely on her powerful groundstrokes. The 27-year-old was also unable to control her emotions and appeared overly upset when making unforced errors.

The windy conditions bothered Sabalenka more than Coco, who on several occasions reduced the power of her first serve to increase her success percentage. Several times Coco, did a kick serve on her first serve which actually made it difficult for Sabalenka to anticipate the rotation of the ball.

Unlike the final against Swiatek three years ago, this time, Coco was able to turn her fear into calm. She appeared very cool even though she lost the first set in a tight way, because she was ahead 4-1 to 5-4 in the tiebreak, in a duration of one hour and 20 minutes.

"After losing the first set, I told myself that I had to give it my all. Even if I lost, at least I would have fought to the best of my ability and could go home to meet my girlfriend and spend time with my family," he stated.

By releasing the burden from his mind, Coco celebrated his victory by embracing all his team members in the stands, including his mother Candy, whose facial expression appeared tense throughout the match. As for his father, Corey, he remained true to his habit of joining the team in the stands only after Coco had completed the match.

The championship title won by Coco not only attracted the attention of tennis players and former players. Former President of the United States Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also extended their congratulations.

Through social media, Michelle Obama wrote that Coco's victory is very inspiring. "Coco demonstrated determination, strength, and grace in playing over the course of two weeks," said Michelle.

“You make us all proud,” Barack Obama wrote, minutes after his wife congratulated him.

The family of the 44th President of the United States met Coco during the 2023 US Open. Coco met Obama after winning the championship and stated that the moment would be unforgettable in her life.

Navratilova, the French Open champion of 1982 and 1984, praised Coco's struggle to rise. The 14-time men's singles champion, Rafael Nadal; Carlos Alcaraz; and American basketball player, LeBron James, also took to social media to express their appreciation for Coco, Sabalenka, and the final match itself. (AFP/AP/REUTERS)