Gauff grabs the glory from tearful Sabalenka in Paris

By Bill Scott

Coco Gauff won a French Open finals struggle lasting nearly three hours as she claimed a second Grand Slam title with a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 defeat of Ayna Sabalenka on Saturday.

The second seed came good at Roland Garros after losing the 2022 final here; she added Paris honours to her US Open crown from 2023.

Gauf and her world No. 1 opponent entered the final played in whipping wind under the open roof of the Chatrier showcourt and five wins apiece in their series.

It took a comeback from Gauff and boatloads of unforced errors and service breaks from both sides to finally decide the contest.

Gauff finished off her fightback on a second match point, with Sabalenka driving a return wide as the American fell to her back on the clay in celebration

She was later presented the trophy by former great Justine Henin

Gauff immediately scrambled into her courtside player box, receiving congratulatory hugs all around.

Sabalenka was close to tears at the trophy ceremony, apologising for a dreadful performance.

“This one hurts so much, especially after a tough two weeks playing great tennis.

“I showed such terrible tennis in the final, Coco was the better player in these tough conditions.

“I’m sorry for this terrible final – but, as usual, I’ll be back stronger than ever.”

Gauff said she had worries about her own abilities before the match. “But I was lying to myself when I thought I could not win it.

“I don’t know what I do to deserve so much love from the French crowd, but merci beaucoup.

Sabalenka took early control and had points for 5-1 in the 80-minute opening set before Gauff managed to take it into a tiebreaker, eventually won by Sabalenka.

The set was marred by eight breaks of serve, just over half of the 15 total for the final. Sabalenka was frustrated by nearly 70 unforced errors.   

The world No. 1 lost serve three times in the second set as Gauff levelled the match. 

The third set was another tight thriller, with Gauff taking the lead 4-3 as Sabalenka double-faulted for three break points.

The American second seed was unable to convert on her first match point but got the job done on her second chance.

Gauff earned the first trophy for an American in Paris since Serena Williams a decade ago. The 21-year-old Gauff is the youngest champion since Williams in 2002.

Sabalenka, winner of three titles at the majors, was playing her sixth Grand Slam final.

Main photo :- Coco Gauff Celebrates – Roger Parker ISF Ltd