“I was trying to drill it into my head that I am the champion”: Unseen Paris moments from Coco Gauff’s title run
WTA
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 Featuring previously unpublished statements from the American, the footage offered a glimpse behind the scenes of Gauff's emotional celebration.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."
A path to glory
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.
Coco Gauff at 2025 Roland Garros final
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 showdown
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.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
