Gauff First US French Open Champion since Serena with sensational comeback winning
- Advertisement -
Coco Gauff opened the first American singles winner of the French since Serena Williams, overwhelmed in Paris.
For the first time in a decade, the Roland Garros Women’s Crown will be in the hands of the United States, because Gauff came from a set behind Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Under an open roof, in an final that put the NO1 versus the NO2 seed, the 21-year-old won after more than two and a half hours 6-7 6-2 6-4 6-4, with Manchester United legend Eric Cantona from the chairs in the front row.
Gauff, who lost to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 final, fell on the floor when it was all over and began to cry, because of: “Oh my God, oh my God.”
This is Gauff’s second big victory, the latter is coming Against De Wit -Russia on 2023 US Open in New Yorkwho also went to three sets.
It was tense and exciting, but not the best quality final.
That will do little for the Yanks, because Gauff took possession of the trophy on the largest clay court in the world.
Number of Sabalenka, which has a tiger tattoo on her left forearm, managed to get from 4-1 in the first set Tie-break to move 1-0 after 80 minutes of intense play.
It was the first time that the opening set of the final of the ladies singles in the French capital was decided in the Tie-Break since 1998 when Arantxa Sanchez Vicario faced Monica Seles.
Yet World No2 Gauff won 12 of the following 18 games, with the £ 2.1 million main prize at its second match point at a somewhat bizarre fashion.
Her forehand was looking for the whole world to go for a long time, but bounced on the line when Sabalenka had to adjust again to maintain the rally – but on the next shot of the world she pushed a backhand wide of the tramline when Gauff collapsed on the clay in pleasure.
The Star, born in Florida, is the first American to win the Roland Garros Singles Title since Williams in 2015.
And she is also the youngest American conqueror since the retired 23-way Grand SLAM champion in 2002 at the age of 20 was successful.
World No1 Sabalenka, as she often does, cut a frustrated figure while it went against her, in which they screamed obscenities against her box and find no inspiration to prevent the draw in favor of her opponent.
Gauff hugged film director Spike Lee before he went to her players’ box to celebrate with her family.
The trophy handed over Belgium’s four -time French open champion Justine Henin, Gauff said: “I would like to thank God. I went through many things when I lost this last three years ago.
“I’m happy to be here. It means a lot to win this. Aryna, you are a hunter.
“I know that sometimes I am not the easiest person and I can be so serious, but my team reminds me that there is more to life. And that plays me better on the field.
“Thank you also to my parents. From washing my clothes to keeping me grounded and always believing in me. You are the reason I do this and inspire me more than anything.
“I didn’t think I could do it, but I’m going to quote Tyler, the maker who said,” If I ever told you that I had doubts in me, I have to lie. ” I leave you with that. “
Sabalenka could not tolerate the highlights of the game that were played on the TV screens and covered her face with a towel in her chair.
When she spoke with the crowd, she broke out in tears before she said: “This hurts so much.
“Especially after about two weeks, playing great tennis and then in these different circumstances, we showed terrible tennis in the final – that really hurts.
“Congratulations. In these difficult circumstances you were a better player than me. Well deserved. You are a hunter and a hard worker.
“Thank you my team for your support. I’m sorry for this terrible final. As always, I come stronger.”
- Advertisement -