Coco Gauff claimed her second Grand Slam title on Saturday by winning the French Open 2025, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought final held in Paris. This significant victory not only strengthened Gauff’s position in the tennis world but also attracted widespread admiration from prominent figures including former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Notable Figures Celebrate Coco Gauff’s French Open Triumph
Following her remarkable performance on the clay courts of Roland-Garros, Gauff received warm congratulations from influential personalities across sports and entertainment. Barack Obama highlighted Gauff’s achievement as historic, noting she became the first American in ten years to win at the French Open, a title last claimed on Parisian clay by Serena Williams. Obama remarked,
for an amazing championship at the French Open,
emphasizing the pride Gauff instilled in the nation.
Michelle Obama also publicly praised Gauff, applauding her resilience and poise throughout the tournament. The former First Lady shared on social media,
Your determination, strength, and grace throughout the French Open has inspired us all – and showed us what’s possible.
This message expressed admiration for Gauff’s character and commitment to the sport.
Other celebrities joined the chorus of support. Actor Matthew McConaughey, known for his appreciation of tennis, celebrated Gauff’s victory on social platforms, while Olympic alpine skiing champion Lindsey Vonn simply tweeted COCO to denote her excitement over the win. Furthermore, six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler reached out with congratulations, underscoring the broad impact of Gauff’s success beyond the tennis community.
Gauff’s Strategy and Inspirations Behind the Winning Performance
After the match, Gauff shared insight into her mental preparation before facing Sabalenka. Inspired by 200m Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, Gauff adopted a method of writing affirmation notes to boost confidence and focus. She revealed on Instagram that she had written “French Open champion” on a piece of paper as a personal motivator. Thomas responded to this revelation by affirming that Gauff deserves it all.
Coco Gauff’s Reactions Reflect Determination and Satisfaction
Upon receiving the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, Gauff expressed satisfaction with her tenacity during the final. She acknowledged in the post-match press conference that the decisive moments were intense but emphasized her satisfaction with the effort she put forth. Gauff stated,
It really came down to the last few points, but overall I’m just really happy with the fight that I managed today. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done, and that’s all that matters.
This victory is especially meaningful as it allows Gauff to maintain her career-high ranking at World No. 2 in the PIF WTA Rankings, reflecting her rising dominance in women’s tennis.
The Broader Significance of Gauff’s Victory at the French Open
Coco Gauff’s win marks an important milestone not only in her career but also for American tennis, rekindling hope for a new generation of champions on clay courts traditionally dominated by European and Belarusian players. Her success has garnered attention from athletes and celebrities alike, reinforcing her status as a role model for determination and excellence. Going forward, Gauff’s triumph sets the stage for continued competition at the highest level, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments.