If you’ve been following tennis lately, you know the name Coco Gauff is basically synonymous with "prodigy who actually lived up to the hype." But when it comes to the red clay of Roland Garros, the answer to did Coco Gauff win the French Open used to be a little complicated. Used to be.
Honestly, it depends on which year you're looking at and whether you're talking about her standing alone on that podium or sharing it with a partner. For a long time, she was the "almost" girl in Paris. She reached the singles final in 2022 only to be dismantled by Iga Świątek, and she's had her fair share of heartbreaks on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
✨ Don't miss: MLB Teams by Revenue: What Really Happens Behind the Numbers
But things changed. Big time.
The Breakthrough: Did Coco Gauff Win the French Open Singles?
Yes. She finally did it. In June 2025, Coco Gauff silenced every critic who said her forehand wouldn't hold up on slow clay. She didn't just win; she took down the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in a match that was frankly a physical and mental grind.
It wasn't a "perfect" match by any means. Gauff actually lost the first set in a tight tiebreak. In the past, that might have been the end of the story. But 21-year-old Coco is a different beast than 18-year-old Coco. She stormed back to win 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4.
This win was massive for a few reasons:
- The Drought: She became the first American woman to hoist the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen since Serena Williams back in 2015.
- The Ranking: It solidified her spot as the World No. 2 and proved her 2023 US Open title wasn't just a home-court fluke.
- The Surface: People always thought of her as a hard-court specialist, but winning in Paris proved she’s an all-court threat.
Before this 2025 triumph, Gauff's singles history in Paris was a series of "close but no cigar" moments. You might remember the 2022 final. She was only 18, and the pressure looked immense. Świątek won that one 6-1, 6-3, and Coco was famously in tears during the trophy ceremony. It’s those moments that make the 2025 win feel so much more earned.
Don't Forget the 2024 Doubles Crown
While the singles title is the one everyone talks about, Coco actually tasted major glory in Paris a year earlier. In 2024, she won the French Open doubles title.
She wasn't even supposed to play doubles that year. Her usual partner, Jessica Pegula, had to pull out with an injury right before the tournament. At the very last minute—we’re talking two days before the start—Katerina Siniaková asked her to team up.
📖 Related: Xavier Hutchinson NFL Draft Journey: Why the Texans Got a Steal
They went on a tear. They ended up beating the Italian duo of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani in the final. It was Gauff's first-ever Grand Slam doubles title after losing two previous finals (one in Paris in 2022 and one at the US Open in 2021). It’s kind of funny how tennis works—sometimes the titles you don't plan for are the ones that break the dam.
Why Her Clay Court Success Matters
For years, the "book" on Coco Gauff was that you could break down her forehand if you gave her high, heavy balls on clay. She’s worked a lot on her swing path and her depth. If you watch her now compared to three years ago, she's much more comfortable sliding into her shots.
She also uses her track-star speed to stay in rallies that other players would give up on. In the 2025 final against Sabalenka, Gauff hit significantly fewer winners, but she forced Sabalenka into a whopping 70 unforced errors. She basically turned herself into a human wall.
Coco’s Path to the Title: A Quick Look Back
Gauff’s relationship with Roland Garros actually goes way back to her junior days. People forget she won the Junior French Open in 2018 when she was just 14 years old. She’s always loved the "terre battue."
| Year | Result | Notable Match |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Winner (Juniors) | Defeated Caty McNally |
| 2021 | Quarterfinals | Lost to Barbora Krejčíková |
| 2022 | Runner-up | Lost to Iga Świątek |
| 2024 | Winner (Doubles) | Partnered with Katerina Siniaková |
| 2025 | Winner (Singles) | Defeated Aryna Sabalenka |
What’s Next for the Champion?
Now that she’s checked the French Open off her list, the focus has shifted to the 2026 season and the quest for a career Grand Slam. She’s already got the US Open (2023) and the French Open (2025). That leaves the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
✨ Don't miss: Nike Vapor Edge 360 Pro: Why These Cleats Changed The High School Game
Experts like Brad Gilbert and even her peers on tour have noted that her serve has become much more reliable. She’s no longer double-faulting in the double digits during big matches. That reliability is what makes her a favorite every time she steps on the court now.
If you’re looking to follow her journey or perhaps improve your own game based on her style, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Gauff is the queen of "active recovery" and mental toughness. She’s spoken openly about using therapy and sports psychology to handle the "prodigy" labels that have followed her since she was 15.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Players:
- Watch the Footwork: If you want to see how to move on clay, watch Gauff’s 2025 semifinal and final matches. She doesn't just run; she slides into the ball, allowing her to recover to the center of the court faster.
- Analyze the "Big Serve" Strategy: Notice how she’s moved away from just trying to hit 120 mph aces and instead focuses on "body serves" to jam opponents. It’s more effective and less taxing on the shoulder.
- Follow the Schedule: With the Australian Open 2026 currently underway, check the WTA live rankings. Coco is consistently fighting for that World No. 1 spot, and her performance on the faster courts in Melbourne will show if she can maintain the momentum from her Paris win.
Coco Gauff didn't just win the French Open; she conquered the mental hurdles that come with being a child star in the spotlight. Whether she's winning in singles or jumping into a last-minute doubles draw, she’s proven that she is the present and the future of American tennis.