Coco Gauff won the French Open showpiece on Saturday to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the second time in a dramatic victory.
After also defeating Sabalenka at the US Open in 2023, the second-ranked American fought hard to win a 6-7 (5 / 7), 6-2, 6-4 victory and her second major title.
Sabalenka defeated Iga Swiatek in Roland Garros over the course of two hours and 38 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier, making more than up for her emotional 2022 final defeat.
After being defeated by Madison Keys at the Australian Open in January, Sabalenka lost to Madison Keys for the second time in a row in the Grand Slam final.
Aryna Sabalenka (C), a member of the Belarusian tennis team, is standing next to French Open champion Justine Henin (L), with French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton (L), and former Belgian tennis player Justine Henin (L). (Photo by Alain JOCARD/AFP)
Sabalenka made 70 unforced errors in windy conditions, which was a match that resembled Gauff’s victory at Flushing Meadows two years ago, while Sabalenka made another set-rebound.
After winning the US Open last year and the following Australian Open titles back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, Belarusian Sabalenka wanted to become the only female player in the world to win three of the four Grand Slam events.
Gauff ended up 6-5 ahead of the top two, proving to be the more consistent player in the first women’s doubles final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep in Melbourne in 2018.
READ MORE: Sinner Ends Djokovic’s record bid to face Alcaraz in the French Open Final.
first set of marathons
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament, winner US Coco Gauff (R) cheers Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at the end of their women’s singles match on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
The 27-year-old Sabalenka quickly asserted herself, winning four of the first five games in a row.
Before being forced into a tie-break, the top seed had a 4-1 lead with a double-break in her semi-final victory over Swiatek.
With two double-faults and a tame backhand into the bottom of the net, she also gave Gauff a glimmer of hope.
When Sabalenka hit a second groundstroke long, Gauff scored 12 points in a row to bring the set level at the fifth break point of the eighth game.
She gave the break right away because she couldn’t continue to build on that momentum.
In a tense game, Sabalenka ultimately extended the lead by taking her fifth break point, missing two set points, the first of which was a double-fault.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays Aryna Sabalenka to US Coco Gauff in Paris’ Roland-Garros Complex, on June 7, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF/AFP)
Both players struggled on serve in the breeze, with Sabalenka breaking once more in the set before failing once more to tie the game.
After 77 minutes, Sabalenka ran out of four straight points to finally win the set in the opening set of a women’s French Open final. This was the first tie-break since 1998.
It was the longest set in a women’s Grand Slam final since the Williams sisters squared off in 2002, and it was also longer than the previous year’s final between Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini.
Gauff, however, took the lead into the second set by opening up a 4-1 lead with a double-break.
Gauff won the match with a confident smash at the net, beating Sabalenka in the first set, and she did so without any issues.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025, US Coco Gauff plays a backhand return to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka during their women’s singles final match. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
In game three, Sabalenka sent down her fifth double-fault, and the US star also broke first in the third.
As Gauff approached the title, Sabalenka was able to reclaim the lead to 3-3, but the relationship quickly became broken.
A thunderous Sabalenka return to the baseline denied Gauff on her first match point, and she then needed to save a break point.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis competition at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025, US Coco Gauff celebrates her victory over Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final match. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
But she crossed the line again, falling to the ground in celebration.
Ronaldo refuted rumors that he would be moving to one of the participating clubs and stated that he would not participate in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday.
The Portugal captain said it was off the mark to make predictions about participating in the newly expanded competition ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final against Spain in Munich.
The Portugal veteran said, “I won’t be attending the Club World Cup,” but added that he had been in touch with several of the competition’s teams.
READ ALSO for Postecoglou Sacked, Eagles Stumble, and Other Stories That Defined Sports This Week
Ronaldo joined the Nations League in Germany as a result of rumors that he would join a club and that his contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr would end at the end of June.
The Portuguese posted on social media in May as it became known that he might switch clubs, perhaps Saudi side Al Hilal, or one of the teams competing at the June US Olympic Games.
READ ALSO: Ronaldo, the champion of the Champions League, Should Get the Ballon D’Or.
Ronaldo stated that making a quick decision that would allow him to participate in the competition was not important.
“Some teams reached out to me,” he said. Some made sense, while others did not, but “you can’t try to do everything, you can’t catch every ball.”
The forward claimed that the future’s choice was “almost final.”
The major leagues in Europe and around the world may have ended, but the actions behind the pitch are intensifying. Teams are sacking coaches, signing players, and making moves to bolster their chances ahead of the campaign.
At the Roland Garros, the French Open is reaching its climax after days of action-packed games, just as the race for the 2026 World Cup heats up in Asia.
Relive these and more on First 11 — the recap of major sports stories during the week.
Spurs Dismiss Postecoglou Despite Europa League Win
(FILES) Ange Postecoglou holds aloft the Europa League trophy, following their mid-week win in the Europa League Final on May 21. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
It’s the season of firing at Tottenham! Despite helping to break the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou was shown the exit door on Friday, becoming the latest casualty in the Premier League sack race.
The North London club finished 17th in the league, one of their worst outings in decades. Even though the team qualified for the Champions League by winning Europe’s second-tier club competition, Spurs said it was time for the Australian gaffer to go.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a statement on Tottenham’s official X account said.
Super Eagles Held By Russia
FT in Moscow. Good show by the Eagles at the Luzhniki stadium against the host #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/xIH3BATdjm
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, drawing European side Russia in a friendly game in Moscow.
An own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. However, Genk striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria. The match ended 1-1! Friday’s game came off the back of the Super Eagles winning the Unity Cup —an invitational tournament in England.
Nigeria are at risk of missing out on the World Cup after an abysmal start to the qualification campaign. The Super Eagles and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Falcons Humble Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses
The morning after a job well done !
Still buzzing from last night’s win over Cameroon in Abeokuta.#CMRNGA #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/nbn94jeOA0
Before the Super Eagles took to the field, the country’s female senior national team was also in action at home. They faced neighbours Cameroon in a friendly match, part of their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and emerged victorious – 2-0 winners courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s brace.
Nigeria, nine-time winners, will aim to make it 10 when the WAFCON begins in July in the Maghreb nation of Morocco.
U-17 World Cup: Flamingoes Get Dream, Dangerous Group
The groups are set for the #U17WWC 2025!
Who will be crowned Champions?
In the meantime, the Flamingoes were drawn into Group D of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, billed for later in the year. The Nigerians got Canada, France, and Samoa to battle in the group stage of the competition scheduled for Morocco.
Nigeria will be taking part in the tournament for the eighth time. However, this edition will feature 24 sides – the first time that is happening. Morocco will be the first African country to host the age-grade showpiece, which runs from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Sabalenka, Gauff Set for Roland Garros Showdown
(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on June 06, 2025 shows (L) US Coco Gauff celebrating after winning her women’s singles semi-final match against France’s Lois Boisson on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025 and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrating after winning against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their women’s singles semi-final match on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
In tennis, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming for a French Open title against second-ranked Coco Gauff at Roland Garros on Saturday. It will be the first time the world’s top two players have met in a women’s Grand Slam final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep to win the 2018 Australian Open.
Sabalenka and Gauff faced off in the 2023 US Open final when the Belarusian led by a set before imploding as the then-teenager Gauff claimed her maiden major title.
Gauff is targeting to become only the third player to win two women’s Grand Slam titles before 22 since Maria Sharapova added the 2006 US Open to her famous 2004 Wimbledon win. The others are Swiatek and former world number one Naomi Osaka.
French Open: Sinner Sets Up Clash With Alcaraz
Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning his men’s singles semi-final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on day 13 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 6, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
While Gauff and Sabalenka square off in the women’s singles final, Jannik Sinner will be meeting with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s version at Roland Garros.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reacts after a point during his men’s singles match against US Ben Shelton on day 8 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 1, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
Sinner battled past Novak Djokovic to book a date in the final against Alcaraz, who stormed past Lorenzo Musetti. The 38-year-old Sinner will next attempt to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon next month. Neither Sinner nor Alcaraz has ever lost a major final, but Sunday will change the trajectory.
Raphinha Crowned La Liga’s Best
Raphinha named La Liga Player of the Season! pic.twitter.com/oNiWF8bMYD
Back to football! Brazil winger Raphinha’s outstanding season has gotten him the Player of the Year prize in Spain’s La Liga. The forward helped Barcelona win the domestic double, notching 18 goals and nine assists. The hard-working right-sided winger is a skilled dribbler and assiduous back-tracker. His teammate and teenage striker Lamine Yamal won the under-23 award.
EPL Confirms Fixtures Release Date For 2025/26 Campaign
Liverpool’s English defender #66 Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrate with the Premier League trophy during an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool’s Premier League title win, in Liverpool, north-west England on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Ahead of the next campaign, the Premier League has confirmed the release date for the 2025/26 fixtures. According to a statement released earlier in the week, the fixtures will be out on June 18, 2025.
The opening matchday will start on August 18, 2025!
Chelsea Seal Delap Deal
Liam Delap. X/@ChelseaFC
Already, Chelsea are getting their act in place for next season with the signing of English striker Liam Delap. The Premier League giants beat off competition from Premier League rivals to land Delap from Ipswich for a reported fee of £30 million ($41 million).
Delap, 22, scored 12 Premier League goals during his sole season at Portman Road but could not prevent Ipswich making an immediate return to the Championship.
He was one of the few success stories for the Tractor Boys during a difficult season as they were relegated back to the Championship with just 22 points.
Uzbekistan, Jordan Reach World Cup For First Time
Uzbekistan’s players celebrate after their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match against the United Arab Emirates ended in a draw, qualifying them for the World Cup for the first time, at Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
In international games, Uzbekistan and Jordan made history by qualifying for their first World Cup. The pair will be joined in next year’s tournament by perennial participants South Korea. Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A. South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra.
Kano Mourns 22 Athletes
The vehicle involved in a Kano accident on May 31, 2025
On the home front, Kano State on Monday observed a public holiday to mourn 22 athletes killed in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival, which was held in Ogun State.
The athletes died last Saturday in a road crash while returning from the games. A delegation from Ogun State also paid a condolence visit to the Kano State Government.
Their deaths have continued to raise concerns over the welfare of athletes in the country, but government authorities have promised to do better.
The major leagues in Europe and around the world may have ended, but the actions behind the pitch are intensifying. Teams are sacking coaches, signing players, and making moves to bolster their chances ahead of the campaign.
At the Roland Garros, the French Open is reaching its climax after days of action-packed games, just as the race for the 2026 World Cup heats up in Asia.
Relive these and more on First 11 — the recap of major sports stories during the week.
Spurs Dismiss Postecoglou Despite Europa League Win
(FILES) Ange Postecoglou holds aloft the Europa League trophy, following their mid-week win in the Europa League Final on May 21. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
It’s the season of firing at Tottenham! Despite helping to break the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou was shown the exit door on Friday, becoming the latest casualty in the Premier League sack race.
The North London club finished 17th in the league, one of their worst outings in decades. Even though the team qualified for the Champions League by winning Europe’s second-tier club competition, Spurs said it was time for the Australian gaffer to go.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a statement on Tottenham’s official X account said.
Super Eagles Held By Russia
FT in Moscow. Good show by the Eagles at the Luzhniki stadium against the host #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/xIH3BATdjm
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, drawing European side Russia in a friendly game in Moscow.
An own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. However, Genk striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria. The match ended 1-1! Friday’s game came off the back of the Super Eagles winning the Unity Cup —an invitational tournament in England.
Nigeria are at risk of missing out on the World Cup after an abysmal start to the qualification campaign. The Super Eagles and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Falcons Humble Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses
The morning after a job well done !
Still buzzing from last night’s win over Cameroon in Abeokuta.#CMRNGA #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/nbn94jeOA0
Before the Super Eagles took to the field, the country’s female senior national team was also in action at home. They faced neighbours Cameroon in a friendly match, part of their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and emerged victorious – 2-0 winners courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s brace.
Nigeria, nine-time winners, will aim to make it 10 when the WAFCON begins in July in the Maghreb nation of Morocco.
U-17 World Cup: Flamingoes Get Dream, Dangerous Group
The groups are set for the #U17WWC 2025!
Who will be crowned Champions?
In the meantime, the Flamingoes were drawn into Group D of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, billed for later in the year. The Nigerians got Canada, France, and Samoa to battle in the group stage of the competition scheduled for Morocco.
Nigeria will be taking part in the tournament for the eighth time. However, this edition will feature 24 sides – the first time that is happening. Morocco will be the first African country to host the age-grade showpiece, which runs from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Sabalenka, Gauff Set for Roland Garros Showdown
(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on June 06, 2025 shows (L) US Coco Gauff celebrating after winning her women’s singles semi-final match against France’s Lois Boisson on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025 and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrating after winning against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their women’s singles semi-final match on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
In tennis, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming for a French Open title against second-ranked Coco Gauff at Roland Garros on Saturday. It will be the first time the world’s top two players have met in a women’s Grand Slam final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep to win the 2018 Australian Open.
Sabalenka and Gauff faced off in the 2023 US Open final when the Belarusian led by a set before imploding as the then-teenager Gauff claimed her maiden major title.
Gauff is targeting to become only the third player to win two women’s Grand Slam titles before 22 since Maria Sharapova added the 2006 US Open to her famous 2004 Wimbledon win. The others are Swiatek and former world number one Naomi Osaka.
French Open: Sinner Sets Up Clash With Alcaraz
Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning his men’s singles semi-final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on day 13 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 6, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
While Gauff and Sabalenka square off in the women’s singles final, Jannik Sinner will be meeting with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s version at Roland Garros.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reacts after a point during his men’s singles match against US Ben Shelton on day 8 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 1, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
Sinner battled past Novak Djokovic to book a date in the final against Alcaraz, who stormed past Lorenzo Musetti. The 38-year-old Sinner will next attempt to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon next month. Neither Sinner nor Alcaraz has ever lost a major final, but Sunday will change the trajectory.
Raphinha Crowned La Liga’s Best
Raphinha named La Liga Player of the Season! pic.twitter.com/oNiWF8bMYD
Back to football! Brazil winger Raphinha’s outstanding season has gotten him the Player of the Year prize in Spain’s La Liga. The forward helped Barcelona win the domestic double, notching 18 goals and nine assists. The hard-working right-sided winger is a skilled dribbler and assiduous back-tracker. His teammate and teenage striker Lamine Yamal won the under-23 award.
EPL Confirms Fixtures Release Date For 2025/26 Campaign
Liverpool’s English defender #66 Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrate with the Premier League trophy during an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool’s Premier League title win, in Liverpool, north-west England on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Ahead of the next campaign, the Premier League has confirmed the release date for the 2025/26 fixtures. According to a statement released earlier in the week, the fixtures will be out on June 18, 2025.
The opening matchday will start on August 18, 2025!
Chelsea Seal Delap Deal
Liam Delap. X/@ChelseaFC
Already, Chelsea are getting their act in place for next season with the signing of English striker Liam Delap. The Premier League giants beat off competition from Premier League rivals to land Delap from Ipswich for a reported fee of £30 million ($41 million).
Delap, 22, scored 12 Premier League goals during his sole season at Portman Road but could not prevent Ipswich making an immediate return to the Championship.
He was one of the few success stories for the Tractor Boys during a difficult season as they were relegated back to the Championship with just 22 points.
Uzbekistan, Jordan Reach World Cup For First Time
Uzbekistan’s players celebrate after their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match against the United Arab Emirates ended in a draw, qualifying them for the World Cup for the first time, at Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
In international games, Uzbekistan and Jordan made history by qualifying for their first World Cup. The pair will be joined in next year’s tournament by perennial participants South Korea. Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A. South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra.
Kano Mourns 22 Athletes
The vehicle involved in a Kano accident on May 31, 2025
On the home front, Kano State on Monday observed a public holiday to mourn 22 athletes killed in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival, which was held in Ogun State.
The athletes died last Saturday in a road crash while returning from the games. A delegation from Ogun State also paid a condolence visit to the Kano State Government.
Their deaths have continued to raise concerns over the welfare of athletes in the country, but government authorities have promised to do better.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, stated on Saturday that a player who won the Champions League should receive the individual honor.
The veteran veteran said “trophies” should determine who wins the Ballon d’Or, as he stated ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich.
Whoever wins it should, in my opinion, belong to a team that has won awards. The 40-year-old forward told reporters that the Ballon d’Or winner should play for a team that has won the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d’Or France football trophy in Paris in this handout photo that L’Equipe released on December 7, 2017. AFP / L’EQUIPE / Frank FAUGERE
The Ballon d’Or is presented to the player who is regarded as the best player from the previous season after being first presented by French magazine France Football in 1956.
The Champions League final victory over Inter Milan by Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday night, which ended in Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 win, sparked growing interest in Ousmane Dembele’s chances of winning the title this season.
READ MORE: The Ballon d’Or Ceremony Is Set For September 22 In Paris, READ ALSO:
Lamine Yamal, a star of Spain, made headlines with her superb performance in Thursday’s 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France, who some thought should have won the award. This would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history.
Dembele’s coach, Didier Deschamps, praised him for the award, saying, “Considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it, and that’s all I wish for him.”
France’s captain Kylian Mbappe stated to reporters that he backed Dembele at a press conference on Saturday in Stuttgart.
Does anyone really require an explanation from me? I’m voting for Dembele even though we’re currently discussing Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.
Ronaldo claimed this season that he “cannot tell you who deserves it.”
Only Lionel Messi, an Argentinian, has won the award eight times, while Ronaldo’s five victories are better.
Lionel Messi poses after receiving the Ballon d’Or award at the Paris Saint-Germain’s 2021 Ballon d’Or France football award ceremony on November 29, 2021. AFP / Frank FIFE
From Ronaldo’s first victory in 2008 to his most recent victory in 2017, the duo had a monopoly on the award for ten years.
Spain’s and Manchester City’s Rodri are currently the holders.
Rodri, a Spanish midfielder for Manchester City, receives the Ballon d’Or award on October 28, 2024 at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris during the 2024 Ballon d’Or France Football Award ceremony. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s number one, will face Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final on Saturday, and she wants to win the French Open title that would “mean the world.”
The 2018 Australian Open semifinalist Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep to win the first women’s Grand Slam final between the world’s top two players.
In the 2023 US Open final, Sabalenka and Gauff squared off before falling apart as Gauff, a young woman, won her first major title.
READ MORE: Sinner Ends Djokovic’s record bid to face Alcaraz in the French Open Final.
Aryna Sabalenka (R) of Belarus poses with her trophy after winning the 2025 WTA Tour Madrid Open singles competition at the Caja Magica in Madrid on May 1, 2025. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP)
Although Sabalenka won their previous meeting last month in the Madrid Open final, their head-to-head record is tied at 5-5.
The top seed will compete in her first Slam final off-grid.
After completing Iga Swiatek’s bid for a fourth successive Roland Garros triumph in the semi-finals, she said, “I don’t know how many years, we’ve been able to develop my game so much, so I feel really comfortable on this surface and actually enjoy playing on clay.”
It will mean the world to us if I can get this trophy, they say.
“I’m prepared to fight until the end, fight until the end, and give everything I can to win.”
With a devastating deciding set that she took 6-0 in just 22 minutes, Sabalenka ended Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open.
(COMBO) US Coco Gauff and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka both used backhands in their women’s singles semi-final fight (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA and ALAIN JOCARD / AFP)
The 27-year-old is aware that facing Gauff, who has always been comfortable on clay and has reached at least the quarter-finals in five of his career matches, will be difficult.
It was a big match (against Swiatek), and it sounded like a final, but “I know the job is not done yet,” added three-time major champion Sabalenka, who added that she needed to play my best tennis and that she had to go to the match on Saturday.
If that title is going to be Coco, I have to work for it.
Gauff hoping to remain “quiet.”
Aryna Sabalenka (R) of Belarus poses with her trophy after winning the 2025 WTA Tour Madrid Open singles competition at the Caja Magica in Madrid on May 1, 2025. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP)
Gauff hopes to become the third woman to win two Grand Slam titles before turning 22 since Maria Sharapova, who won the famous 2004 Wimbledon title in 2006.
Swiatek and Naomi Osaka, both of whom were former world champions, are the other two.
Following a heartbreaking defeat by Swiatek in 2022, the 21-year-old was left in tears in her second Roland Garros final.
“Obviously, this is where I have a lot more confidence, derived from my previous Grand Slam success,” Gauff said.
I’ll give it my best shot and try to be as calm and composed as possible before Saturday.
Sabalenka will compete in her seventh WTA final of the year, which is the most by any player this season since Serena Williams, who defeated Sharapova to claim the title in Paris in 2013).
On September 7, 2023, USA’s Coco Gauff celebrates her victory over Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka and the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the US Open women’s singles semi-finals at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. (Photo by kena betancur/AFP)
Gauff claims that Sabalenka’s influence has allowed her to take the lead in the world rankings.
“I think obviously her ball striking, she can come up with some big shots and big winners pretty much anywhere on the court, and she’s going to stay in the match regardless of the scoreline,” she said.
Gauff has lost two semi-final matches in her first Slam final since beating Sabalenka in New York two years ago, including Swiatek at Roland Garros a year ago.
To be honest, it feels a little slow. She said that the US Open hasn’t happened in a while.
“I think the previous experience I’ve had is that we had some up-and-down matches, and we had ones that I won straight sets and her vice versa…
