“I had a dream”: Unseen Roland Garros video reveals Coco Gauff’s belief before Paris glory

A recently released video from Roland Garros has commemorated Coco Gauff's magnificent campaign in Paris where she claimed her second Grand Slam title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 in a tight final. Featuring previously unpublished statements from the American, the footage offered a glimpse behind the scenes of Gauff's emotional celebration.

At just 21 years old, Gauff has spent several seasons cementing her status among the world's best. In fact, for the third consecutive year, she finished in the top 3 of the WTA rankings and has now accumulated 11 titles—including two Grand Slams, three WTA 1000s, and the 2024 WTA Finals.

The clay swing was particularly demanding for Gauff, who reached the finals of the Madrid Open and the Rome Open consecutively before her arrival at Roland Garros—a run that included a victory in the "Match of the Year" against Zheng Qinwen in the Rome semifinals.

"Just treating it like every other match, to be honest," Gauff commented before taking the court for the 2025 French Open final—her third consecutive major final—where she would once again face Sabalenka. "That's the best way to put it. Do well and accomplish my dreams, and I have that belief that on Saturday I can take the trophy."

Following her strong campaigns on clay courts, Gauff arrived at the French Open as one of the top contenders and the second seed, trailing only Sabalenka. She navigated the first week without setbacks, securing straight-set victories over Olivia Gadecki, Tereza Valentova, and Marie Bouzkova. In the fourth round, a commanding 6-0, 7-5 win against Ekaterina Alexandrova solidified Gauff’s status as a firm favorite as she prepared for her first top-10 clash of the tournament.

That challenge came in the form of a complicated duel against 7th seed Madison Keys—the Australian Open champion earlier in the year who held an active streak of 11 consecutive wins in major tournaments. It was here that Gauff had to claw her way back from a set down to seize a 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory. It was a match that generated some doubt regarding the young star, as she committed 10 double faults and appeared in serious trouble during the first two sets.

In the semifinals, however, she achieved an imposing 6-1, 6-2 victory against the tournament's surprise package, Lois Boisson, reaching the French Open final for the second time in her career. Her first appearance had been back in 2022, where she fell to Iga Swiatek, winning just four games.

The final pitted her against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who had eliminated formidable rivals such as Amanda Anisimova, Zheng Qinwen, and Swiatek herself (snapping the Pole's 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros) en route to the championship match.

The Belarusian began the final against Gauff by taking the first set in a tie-break. However, much like in the 2023 US Open final, Gauff managed to mount a comeback. Rallying from a set down, the American secured the victory and her second major title.

"I had a dream a few years ago, and I remember writing it in my notes. I randomly remembered it last night —I don't usually look at it— but I saw it and thought: 'Okay, maybe the dream will come true,'" Gauff commented after winning the title. "Last night, I was also just writing it over and over, trying to drill it into my head that I am the champion. Obviously, you don't know what's going to happen on match day, but just trying to have that belief means a lot."

She added, "I think it just shows people to fight for their dreams and don't give up, regardless of how the odds may be stacked against you. You are the author of your own story. You can write it how you want it. And that's what I felt today."

With this victory, Gauff became the new Roland Garros champion, dethroning Swiatek, who had won the previous three editions consecutively. The American also maintained her position as World No. 2 in the WTA Rankings, closing the gap on Sabalenka in the battle for the No. 1 spot.