
US tennis star Coco Gauff’s latest success hasn’t quite sunk in just yet.
The 21-year-old defeated the world’s number one, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, in the French Open women’s singles final to claim the second Grand Slam title of her young career over the weekend.
Gauff (2) beat Aryna Sabalenka (1) 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday.
“Wow, this means so much to me, truly… French Open champion. I worked so hard for this moment, and for it to have happened is insane. Thank you, God, and thank you, everyone,” wrote Gauff on her Instagram account.
“This means the world to me… I’m still in shock, honestly. I can’t find the words, but all I can say for now is just thank you and never give up on your dreams.”
Sabalenka was not gracious in defeat, however, after her Roland Garros final defeat to Gauff.
“I think (Gauff) won the match not because she played incredibly, just because I made all of those mistakes… kind of like from easy balls,” Sabalenka told the press post-match.
“Right now I don’t see how I can be easy on myself, because honestly, guys, it’s the worst match I’ve played in the last couple of months. It’s just a joke. I cannot do that anymore in the finals.”
Gauff won €2,550,000 [R51.7 million] for her first French Open title, with Sabalenka banking €1,275,000 [R25.8 million].


