Hail the new queen of clay.
The 21-year-old American sensation secured her second Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating the world’s top-ranked player from Belarus with a score of 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final in Paris. She is the first American to triumph at the French Open since 2015. The last American man to win a singles title at Roland Garros was Andre Agassi in 1999.
Gauff displayed remarkable resilience. She was down 4-1 in the first set, with Sabalenka serving at 40-0. It would have been easy to assume Sabalenka would win the first set. Or to think about Gauff’s experience at the 2022 French Open final, where she lost to Świątek in straight sets. Gauff admitted she had anxiety attacks before that match and wasn’t really present in it.
However, on Saturday, Gauff responded by winning twelve consecutive points. As a result, Gauff is now a more seasoned competitor compared to three years ago, and a better player. The windy conditions in Paris seemed to affect Sabalenka’s serve more than Gauff’s. They engaged in a demanding first set, characterized by extended games and impressive rallies. Serving for the set at 5-4, Sabalenka couldn’t close it out against Gauff, who saved two set points and ultimately broke Sabalenka on her fifth attempt. Later, a running backhand winner from Gauff forced a tiebreaker, which Sabalenka ultimately won.
However, Sabalenka was unable to maintain that momentum into the second set. Gauff’s love break put her ahead 5-2, and she comfortably held serve to win the set. Sabalenka could only express her disappointment.
In the third set, a double fault from Sabalenka gave Gauff a break, putting the American ahead 2-1. Sabalenka attacked a short ball from Gauff but hit it into the net, extending Gauff’s lead to 3-1. Sabalenka fought back to level the set at 3-3, but then double-faulted while serving and shouted towards her coaching box. Gauff won the game to take a 4-3 lead.
Both players held serve in the subsequent two games. Serving for the title at 5-4, Gauff was focused. Remaining composed throughout the match, while Sabalenka occasionally lost her composure, Gauff’s serve was precise. Sabalenka continued to fight, but on Gauff’s second championship point, she sent a cross-court shot wide, concluding the match. Gauff fell to the Roland Garros clay in celebration.
She went to the stands to embrace her mother, Candi, her father, Corey—who avoids sitting in the courtside box during matches due to nerves—her coach, and others.
The match lasted two hours and 38 minutes. Sabalenka made 70 unforced errors, compared to Gauff’s 30.
“You’re a fighter,” Sabalenka told Gauff after the match.
Gauff’s next major tournament is Wimbledon, where she first gained global recognition six years ago, defeating Venus Williams and reaching the fourth round at just 15 years old. Following that is the U.S. Open in New York City, where she will aim to reclaim the title.
Sabalenka appeared close to dominating that first set, and potentially the match. A victory would have given her two of the last three Grand Slam titles, solidifying her position as the leading player in tennis. However, Gauff proved too quick and currently reigns supreme on clay. She is now poised for a tremendous summer.
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