Coco Gauff Eyes Redemption in French Open Final Showdown Against Sabalenka
All roads lead to Court Philippe-Chatrier this Saturday as World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on World No.2 Coco Gauff in a clash that promises history. The Belarusian seeks her first French Open title, while Gauff returns for a second shot at the coveted Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, determined to rewrite the ending of her 2022 final heartbreak.
Sabalenka enters the final in red-hot form, having ended Iga Swiatek’s 26-match unbeaten run on Paris clay. Gauff, meanwhile, confidently handled the pressure of facing home favorite Loïs Boisson in the semifinals, halting the wildcard’s dream run with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win.
<strong>Davenport Backs Sabalenka, But Gauff’s Growth Shows Promise</strong>
Despite Gauff’s strong showing, former American tennis star Lindsay Davenport has expressed doubts over the 21-year-old’s consistency, citing her error count in earlier rounds. Gauff tallied over 20 unforced errors in each of her first three matches, including 41 against Madison Keys in the quarterfinal. However, she’s shown clear improvement, reducing that number to just 15 in the semifinal.
Davenport acknowledged this growth, stating, “The level that she’s shown in the last three sets… we’re talking about a much different Gauff.”
<strong>No Fear of the Spotlight</strong>
Unlike her maiden Slam final in 2022—where she fell to Swiatek—Gauff appears far more composed this time. She’s learned to embrace the moment rather than fear it. “At first I thought it’d be the end of the world if I lost. And you know, the sun still rose the next day,” she shared ahead of the final. “Just knowing that makes me realize how lucky and privileged I am to be in this position.”
Her calm mindset may prove vital as she faces an aggressive opponent in Sabalenka, who has already defeated Gauff this year on clay in Madrid. The two are evenly matched with a 5-5 head-to-head record, setting the stage for a razor-thin contest.
<strong>Can Gauff Finish the Job?</strong>
This final is not just a shot at a Grand Slam title—it’s a test of maturity, resilience, and belief. Gauff has shown all three in recent months, backed by a stronger serve, improved movement, and mental toughness. Sabalenka, on the other hand, brings firepower and momentum, hungry for her maiden French Open crown.
Will Gauff’s steady rise and newfound calm help her finish what she started three years ago? Or will Sabalenka’s form and experience prove too much to handle on clay?
Either way, history will be made.