Coco Gauff was dumbstruck after beating world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final on Saturday, admitting she did not think she had what it takes to stop the Belarusian heavy hitter on court Philippe Chatrier.
"I didn’t think honestly I could do it," the American world No 2, who claimed her second Grand Slam title, said between tears.
The 21-year-old Gauff, who benefited from her opponent's 70 unforced errors, paid tribute to Sabalenka before posing for pictures with the ball kids.
THE Moment ✨#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/vlPH9rQwqi
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
"Every time we play it is a tough match for me, so congratulations. You remind me there is more to life than tennis," she said.
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"I would like to thank you guys, the crowd helped me today," she told the 15 000 crowd who supported her throughout.
"You guys were cheering for me so hard and I don't know what I did to deserve such support from the French crowd," Gauff added, before dropping the lid of the Suzanne Lenglen Cup.
The champ's words 🎤
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
Coco Gauff's on-court interview following her win over Aryna Sabalenka. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/x0wNwqBUUg