Before the 2022 French Open final, Coco Gauff wrestled with intense nerves and self-doubt, challenging her mental strength even before the first serve. Now 21, the rising tennis star is determined to capture her second Grand Slam title as she prepares to face Aryna Sabalenka in a highly anticipated match.

Learning from Past Defeat to Fuel Present Determination

This final is not new territory for Gauff, who faced heartbreak three years ago when Iga Swiatek handed her a tough loss at the same stage. That experience has since inspired her to grow both mentally and physically. While the current final started with setbacks, including consecutive breaks against her, Gauff remains steadfast in her goal to change the outcome this time.

Gauff’s Reflection on Early Nerves and Gaining Confidence

Looking back on her earlier French Open final, Gauff expressed,

My first final here I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened.

—Coco Gauff. Armed now with the lessons from previous Grand Slam appearances and deeper self-belief, she plans to approach the contest with greater focus and calm.

The Stakes and Rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka

The match carries significant weight for Gauff, who hopes to add to her Grand Slam achievements after defeating Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final. While Sabalenka brings more experience from competing in three Major finals, Gauff’s ambition is to forge her own legacy by winning multiple Grand Slam trophies.

A Pivotal Moment on Tennis’s Grand Stage

As the French Open final approaches, Gauff faces both an external opponent and the internal challenges that have tested her before. Her journey reflects not only the pressures of high-level competition but also the personal growth required to reach the sport’s pinnacle. The upcoming match will reveal whether Gauff can overcome her past doubts and solidify her standing among tennis greats on one of the sport’s most iconic courts.