Coco Gauff made history and set a precedent after winning Roland Garros for the first time at the age of 21. Defeating the number one ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, 6-7 (5), 6-2, and 6-4 in Saturday’s final, she touched the sky with her hands, but what came next simply crowned her victory.
The young tennis player also became the first American in a decade to win the singles title at the French Open. She now boasts two Grand Slam titles, along with the US Open she won in 2023.
As if that weren’t enough, Gauff will take home $2.9 million in prize money. And yes, after repeating a milestone in the sport that only two legends, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, had achieved before, Coco deserves it all. This was the first final between the number 1 and number 2 in Paris since 2013.
Recognition from great role models, another invaluable prize
In light of this achievement, former US President Barack Obama did not hesitate to congratulate her: “Congratulations to @CocoGauff for an amazing championship at the French Open – the first American singles champion at @RolandGarros in a decade. You make us all proud,” he wrote on his official Twitter account.
His wife Michelle Obama also dedicated some heartfelt words that reflect the warmth of a proud mother: “Congrats, @CocoGauff! Your determination, strength, and grace throughout the French Open has inspired us all – and showed us what’s possible. Proud of you!” she wrote.
And who else joined in the congratulations? The King! LeBron James quoted Barack Obama’s post and added: “I SECOND THAT!!! Congratulations my fellow flag bearer @CocoGauff,” along with clapping hands emojis.
Jimmy Butler didn’t want to be left behind and showed his support and admiration for the young woman. Sharing a Tennis Channel post on his Instagram stories where she is crowned champion, Jimmy accompanied her name with emojis greeting her.
And continuing with the sports legends, Billie Jean King, a tennis legend herself, dedicated these words to her: “Congratulations to @CocoGauff on her second Grand Slam women’s singles title, and her first singles title at #RolandGarros! Outstanding!”.
In addition, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz also used his X account to congratulate her: “Many congrats @CocoGauff!!!” he wrote, accompanying his greeting with an emoji of hands forming a heart.
Without a doubt, this is just the beginning of a great legend that is making and will continue to make its mark on the world of tennis. And these messages are further proof of that.
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