Coco Gauff 'kept her cool better' than Aryna Sabalenka in French Open final classic at Roland-Garros, says Chris Evert

Coco Gauff won her second major trophy with victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open, beating the world No. 1 in three sets, 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4. It was a captivating match from start to finish as Gauff added to the US Open title she won in 2023, when she also got the better of Sabalenka. Having won the doubles title here 12 months ago, Gauff again proved her pedigree on clay.

American legend Chris Evert said it was Coco Gauff's ability to "stay calm under pressure" that saw her edge past Aryna Sabalenka in a French Open final classic.

Gauff defeated the Belarusian 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 in a match of incredible, hard-hitting tennis - the American star holding her nerve to seal the match on her second championship point. 

Sabalenka had started the match the better of the two, Gauff looking slightly nervous as some unforced errors leaked from her racquet. 

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But Gauff fought back from two breaks down to force a tie-break. Even though she lost that, she had clearly played her way into some form and was the better of the two in the second set.

The decider was not without jeopardy, Sabalenka rallying and hitting some incredible shots - but Gauff’s defence was absolute, and she was more comfortable at the net than her opponent. 

She dropped to the floor when Sabalenka’s last shot went wide, and seven-time Roland-Garros champion Chris Evert was quick to praise the American star.

"That match was so stressful - but she found a way," said Evert. "[Gauff] deserves to win this one.

Watch memorable scenes as Gauff celebrates French Open glory with family and team

Video credit: TNT Sports

"She was brought up on clay and has been a finalist before. We knew when we saw her at 15 she would be winning multiple slams, multiple majors. 

"It is quite incredible, she really kept her calm after losing the first set. She’s a fighter, she realised she needed to match Aryna’s power, she did that and stayed calm under pressure."

Gauff’s play was every bit as good from the back of the court as at the net - the former doubles champion here showing she really does have a complete game.

"She proved what a good all-court player she is, she forced Sabalenka to play more and more shots," added Evert.

"The defending she did was incredible. It came down to the wire and she kept her cool better than Aryna, we can safely say that."

"What an extraordinary final," said Naomi Cavaday on commentary. "Add it to the list of wonderful things we’ve seen from her: her movement is on a different planet at times."

'Wow!' - Watch as Gauff accidentally blasts ball 'right through' Sabalenka in final

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Gauff is the first American to win the women’s singles title in Paris since Serena Williams did so in 2015, picking up her second major singles title at the age of 21. 

That puts her one behind Sabalenka, whose three majors have all come on hard courts. 

The world No. 1 was in tears in her speech at the end of the match, calling her performance "terrible."

Evert continued: "At least Sabalenka proved she can win this title, she came so close.

"Maybe getting upset held her back a little bit. Aryna has to have that power on a consistent basis but she had 70 unforced errors and it wasn’t there consistently.

"It is tough, these losses are tough but in three weeks you know what is coming up - and Sabalenka’s game suits grass. She has to get over this quickly, to get in the mindset of Wimbledon."

‘The next Serena Williams’

Gauff has long been touted as America’s next tennis superstar, ever since she made her name at Wimbledon back in 2019.

She became the youngest woman to qualify for the main draw, and beat Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round on debut.

It might have taken her nearly two years to add to her first major title, but Gauff did so in style - despite the difficult windy conditions.

'She's the next Serena Williams' - Reaction to Gauff sealing French Open glory

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"She’s has so much pressure on her shoulders, she is the next Serena Williams and she is answering all those questions now. She could have won the first set and did not let it affect her at all," said Mats Wilander after the match.

"It’s amazing, so much credit to Coco Gauff. I truly believe composure won her this Grand Slam title," added Mary Joe Fernandez.

"She coped with the conditions really well, she never let frustration come back even after losing the first set.

"She just went back to work in the next two sets, and in these conditions, she only had 15 unforced errors - that’s incredible. Mentally, she showed so much maturity."

As to where Gauff’s game will go next, Wilander was clear on one thing - more major titles should be incoming. 

"It’s harder to win your second Grand Slam than your first one, now I think the floodgates will open," he concluded.

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