Coco Gauff’s triumph at the 2025 French Open is a clear demonstration of her remarkable maturity and resilience on tennis’s biggest stages. Her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the final wasn’t just a testament to her skill but also her mental strength and ability to perform under intense pressure.
Aryna Sabalenka came into the final with an impressive record and the confidence of being the world No. 1. Throughout the tournament, she played some of the best tennis of her career, showing significant improvements in both her game and mentality. She felt prepared to face any challenge. However, her loss to Gauff revealed that even the most confident players can encounter unexpected difficulties when confronted with a formidable opponent who thrives under pressure.
Sabalenka’s reaction after the match was telling. At the trophy ceremony, she repeatedly described her performance as “terrible,” creating an awkward atmosphere with Gauff nearby. In the subsequent press conference, she further dismissed Gauff’s win by attributing it largely to her own unforced errors rather than recognizing Gauff’s high level of play. Sabalenka suggested that had Iga Swiatek reached the final instead, the outcome would have been different, a comment that ignored the reality of Gauff’s strengths and performance.
In truth, Gauff is one of the toughest competitors on the women’s tour. Her defensive skills are arguably the best in the world, complemented by her ability to improvise, her tactical intelligence, and her discipline. She possesses a powerful two-handed backhand, a strong first serve, and a forehand that has become increasingly effective on clay due to its heavy topspin. These weapons allow her not only to withstand pressure but to actively disrupt her opponents’ rhythm. Sabalenka’s repeated struggles against Gauff underscore how difficult it is to play one’s best tennis against the young American.
The conditions on the day of the final were challenging, with wind adding another layer of difficulty. Despite this, Gauff’s fighting spirit shone through. At just 21, she became the first woman in history to win her first two grand slam titles after coming back from a set down—both times against Sabalenka. She now holds multiple grand slam titles and has risen to No. 2 in the world rankings. This is no coincidence or fluke; it is the product of her dedication, growth, and mental toughness.
Reflecting on her journey, Gauff recalled the anxiety and self-doubt she faced before her first grand slam final at Roland Garros in 2022. Then 18, she struggled with the pressure and feared she might not handle the occasion. Since then, she has evolved into a competitor who can be counted on to perform at her best when it matters most. With a record of 10 wins and three losses in finals, she has established herself as a player who thrives under pressure, saving her best tennis for the grandest stages.
Sabalenka, despite her achievements, still wrestles with emotional challenges in crucial matches. Although she has won three grand slam titles and is among the most successful players of her generation, there are moments when her emotions get the better of her, especially against opponents like Gauff who exploit those cracks. Rather than dismissing her losses as mistakes or external factors, Sabalenka could gain valuable insight from Gauff’s example of composure and belief.
Gauff’s mental preparation was as significant as her physical readiness. The night before the final, she came across a TikTok video of Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, who spoke about using written affirmations to boost her confidence. Inspired, Gauff took a small hotel notepad and repeatedly wrote a simple but powerful sentence: “I will be the French Open 2025 champion.” This act of manifestation helped cement her belief in herself.
This blend of mental resilience, physical skill, and strategic intelligence is what sets Gauff apart. Her victory at the French Open is not just about winning a title but about proving she can rise to the biggest moments, handle pressure, and grow into one of the great champions of her generation.
