On June 7, 2025, Cori “Coco” Gauff made headlines by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open, securing her place in tennis history. This victory made her the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. At just 21 years old, Gauff is the youngest American to achieve this feat since Williams, who was 20 when she first claimed the title in 2002. This triumph marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam singles title, following her US Open victory in 2023.
Despite entering the match as the underdog, Gauff showcased her resilience by overcoming a first-set tiebreak loss (6-7) to dominate the next two sets with scores of 6-2, 6-4. She is the first American woman in over 20 years to defeat a reigning world No. 1 in a Grand Slam final. The Grand Slam tournaments, which include the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, are the most prestigious events in the tennis world.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff began her tennis journey at the age of six. Her father, Corey, was her initial coach, while her mother, Candi, took charge of her education and off-court activities.
Gauff’s breakthrough moment came in 2019 when she defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round at just 15 years old. She advanced to the fourth round before being defeated by eventual champion Simona Halep. Later that year, she claimed her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title in Linz, Austria.
In 2022, Gauff reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open, where she was bested by Iga Swiatek. This experience was pivotal in her development as a player. By 2023, she returned with renewed strength, capturing her first Grand Slam title by defeating Sabalenka at the US Open. She continued her success in 2024 by winning the WTA Finals, becoming the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
Gauff’s 2025 French Open victory not only adds another Grand Slam to her impressive resume but also solidifies her status as one of the top players in women’s tennis. She is no longer just a rising star; she is now recognized as a leading figure and competitor in the sport.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Gauff is admired for her composure and advocacy. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by young athletes and is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, particularly among her peers in professional sports.