By Samuel Akpan with agency report
American tennis star Coco Gauff has won her first French Open singles title, coming from behind to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final.
The 21-year-old second seed claimed a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 victory over the Belarusian in testing conditions.
Gauff recovered from a difficult start, where she trailed by a double break, to find her rhythm and benefit from a huge number of mistakes from Sabalenka.
“This hurts so much. Congratulations to Coco – she was a better player than me,” said Sabalenka, who was bidding for her first Roland Garros title.
The win marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam title, adding to the US Open title she won in 2023, also by beating Sabalenka.
Gauff settled quicker in the deciding third set, moving a break up and keeping her nerve to serve out victory.
She had to survive another break point before winning her second match point, falling to the clay on her back when Sabalenka pushed a forehand wide.
Gauff shared an affectionate hug with Sabalenka before running off court to celebrate with her family, including her parents Candi and Corey, who were dancing euphorically in the stands.
“There were more tears for Gauff – this time they were ones of joy,” as she fulfilled the potential promised by winning the 2023 US Open.
Gauff’s triumph was the result of a productive clay-court swing where she reached the Madrid and Rome finals.
Expectations were high upon her arrival in Paris, with many considering her a safer bet than defending champion Iga Swiatek.
Only Sabalenka, who had edged her out for the Madrid title, had demonstrated superior form on the surface.
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