Coco Gauff claimed her second Grand Slam title by winning the 2025 French Open in Paris last Saturday, marking a major achievement in her evolving career. As one of the tournament favorites entering her fifth appearance at Roland Garros, she met high expectations by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a tense three-set final, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, to earn her first French Open crown.

This major milestone came five years after Gauff’s debut in the main draw at Roland Garros in 2020, signaling a significant progression in her performance on the Parisian clay courts. Her readiness and confidence were shaped years earlier by a memorable piece of advice from her father.

The impact of her father’s advice during her first French Open

In 2020, walking onto Court Suzanne-Lenglen as an underdog against Britain’s Johanna Konta, the young Gauff pulled off a stunning upset, winning in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Before that match, her father’s simple counsel helped shape her mindset and composure.

Honestly, my dad told me something in the warmup. He was just telling me, like, you’re living your dream, so just enjoy and have fun,

Coco recalled during the post-match press conference.

Her father, who once dreamed of an NBA career but never made it, reminded her that she was living her dream—a privilege not everyone gets to experience—and urged her to enjoy the moment on court. This advice helped calm her nerves and change her perspective just before stepping onto the court.

I realized it’s just a tennis match. I’m doing some things that people wish they could do. Just go out there and enjoy it.

Reflecting on her experience adjusting to the conditions at Roland Garros, she explained how her early matches taught her vital lessons. For example, she described experimenting with her clothing choice, deciding at the last minute to wear leggings, which ended up helping her performance.

At the last second, I put them on. So now I know that that works for me. That’s what I’m going to do with the next match.

Although her debut campaign ended in the second round with a close loss to Italian qualifier Martina Trevisan, who advanced to the quarterfinals, Gauff showed promising glimpses of her future potential on clay.

A detailed look at Coco Gauff’s performances at the French Open

Since her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon in 2019, the French Open has become the stage where Gauff consistently delivers her strongest performances. Her record at Roland Garros is impressive, with 27 wins out of 32 matches played, establishing her as a formidable contender on clay.

Her losses at the French Open are notable for the quality of opponents she faced, often falling to players who went on to claim the title or reach advanced rounds. This highlights not only her consistency but also the difficult competition at the tournament.

Reviewing Gauff’s key defeats at Roland Garros

• 2024 – Lost in semifinals to Iga Swiatek, the eventual champion
• 2023 – Eliminated in quarterfinals by Iga Swiatek, who won the tournament
• 2022 – Runner-up, losing in the final to Iga Swiatek
• 2021 – Quarterfinal loss to Barbora Krejcikova, the champion that year
• 2020 – Second-round exit against Martina Trevisan, who reached the quarterfinals

These results suggest that Gauff has been on the cusp of the title for several years, contending closely with the very best players on clay. Her breakthrough victory in 2025 adds an important chapter to her French Open story.

Outlook for Gauff at the French Open and beyond

With the 2025 title now under her belt, Coco Gauff is expected to return to Roland Garros next year as one of the top favorites to defend her crown. She will face strong challenges from players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, but her 2025 triumph should provide a strong boost to her confidence and resolve.

The 2026 French Open is scheduled to begin on May 25, and Gauff’s continued development and resilience suggest she will be a serious contender. If she maintains her current form and mindset shaped by years of experience and family support, another deep run or even a repeat title is well within reach.