Gauff and Sabalenka face off in French Open final

 

For the first time since 2013, the world’s top two women’s tennis players will clash in a French Open final, as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on World No. 2 Coco Gauff on Court Philippe-Chatrier. This highly anticipated showdown guarantees a new women’s singles champion at Roland Garros, with Sabalenka chasing her fourth Grand Slam title and Gauff aiming for her second.

🎾 Match Details:

Finalists: Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1) vs. Coco Gauff (World No. 2)

Venue: Court Philippe-Chatrier, Roland Garros, Paris

Time: 3:00 p.m. CEST (2:00 p.m. BST / 9:00 a.m. ET)

A Blockbuster Final

Sabalenka, the 27-year-old Belarusian, is in her first French Open final after a commanding 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 semifinal victory over four-time champion Iga Swiatek, ending Swiatek’s 26-match win streak at Roland Garros. With three major titles (2023, 2024 Australian Open; 2024 US Open) and a tour-leading 40 match wins in 2025, Sabalenka’s powerful game has adapted brilliantly to clay.

Gauff, the 21-year-old American, returns to the French Open final three years after finishing runner-up to Swiatek in 2022. The 2023 US Open champion dominated French wildcard Loïs Boisson 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals, showcasing her elite defense and mental resilience. A victory would make her the youngest American woman to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002.

Head-to-Head and Stakes

The rivalry between Sabalenka and Gauff is deadlocked at 5-5 across 10 meetings. Gauff triumphed in their only prior Grand Slam final at the 2023 US Open (2-6, 6-3, 6-2), but Sabalenka won their most recent clay-court encounter in the 2025 Madrid Open final in straight sets. Their latest match in Beijing 2025 went to Sabalenka in three sets, setting up a thrilling rematch.

The winner will claim €2.55 million (£2.15 million) and 2,000 WTA ranking points, while the runner-up earns €1.275 million (£1.075 million). Beyond the prize, the victor will etch their name in Roland Garros history as a first-time French Open champion.

see also: Happy 55th Birthday to the legend Cafu — the ONLY player to play in 3️⃣ World Cup finals!

Keys to the Match

Coco Gauff: Gauff’s speed, court coverage, and defensive prowess make her a clay-court threat. She needs a first-serve percentage above 60%, minimal double faults, and an aggressive forehand to counter Sabalenka’s power. Her 70% second-serve points won and 6/7 break points converted against Boisson highlight her form. Mental toughness, honed in hostile environments, will be crucial.

Aryna Sabalenka: Sabalenka’s booming groundstrokes, precise serving, and improved versatility (drop shots, spin) give her an edge. She’s hit 60 more winners and 30 fewer unforced errors than Gauff this tournament. A high first-serve percentage, attacking Gauff’s second serve, and shortening points will be key to avoiding Gauff’s defensive trap.