Coco Gauff, at 21, has set an extraordinarily high bar for herself in 2025, making anything less than a French Open title a disappointment due to her rapid rise, clay-court prowess, and the pressure of her own expectations. Here’s why:
**1. Stellar 2025 Clay Season Performance**
Gauff’s 2025 clay campaign has been exceptional, positioning her as a leading contender for Roland Garros (May 25–June 8, 2025). She reached the Italian Open final on May 18, defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3, after a dominant run that included a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Emma Raducanu and a semifinal win over Peyton Stearns. Her Rome performance, where she won 83% of first-serve points against Paolini, showcased her improved forehand and defensive tenacity. Earlier, she reached the Madrid Open semifinals, losing narrowly to Aryna Sabalenka. With a 14-3 clay record in 2025, per WTA stats, Gauff’s consistency and ability to outlast top players on the surface signal her readiness to claim a second Grand Slam.
**2. Historical Context and Breakthrough Potential**
Gauff’s 2023 US Open title marked her as a Grand Slam champion, but her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Świątek (6-1, 6-3) left unfinished business. At 18, she was the youngest finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2001, and her emotional post-match tears fueled her resolve. Now, with Świątek’s dominance waning—her 2025 clay losses include a Madrid quarterfinal exit to Beatriz Haddad Maia—Gauff faces a more open field. Her 4-2 head-to-head edge over Elena Rybakina and recent wins over Jessica Pegula bolster her case. Tennis analyst Pam Shriver noted on X, “Coco’s clay game is peaking at the right time. She’s the one to beat in Paris.”
**3. Tactical and Mental Growth**
Gauff’s revamped game, under coaches Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel, emphasizes aggressive forehand winners and better net play, addressing past criticisms of passivity. Her Rome title run included 22 winners against Raducanu and 18 against Stearns, per TennisViz. Mentally, she’s matured, handling pressure moments like her viral Rome blunder—serving before Zheng Qinwen was ready—with humor. Gauff’s post-Rome comment, “I’m here to win Slams, not just finals,” reflects a champion’s mindset, raising expectations for Paris.
**4. Pressure of Expectations**
As World No. 4 and a clay-court favorite, Gauff faces immense scrutiny. Her Rome triumph, the biggest title of her career, has pundits like John McEnroe declaring, “She’s the French Open favorite.” Fans on X echo this, with one stating, “Coco’s clay form is untouchable. It’s title or bust.” Her own ambitions amplify this: Gauff told ESPN she aims to “dominate” Roland Garros, citing her comfort on clay, where she won the 2018 junior title. With endorsements from Nike and Head adding commercial pressure, anything short of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen risks being seen as a letdown.
**5. Favorable Draw and Rivals’ Struggles**
The 2025 French Open draw appears navigable for Gauff. Top rivals like Sabalenka (inconsistent on clay) and Barbora Krejčíková (recovering from injury) face uncertainties, while Gauff’s 3-1 record against Ons Jabeur gives her an edge. Her Strasbourg warm-up, starting May 19, could further sharpen her game. With only 720 points to defend from last year’s fourth round, a deep run could propel her to World No. 2, adding incentive.
**Conclusion**
Gauff’s 2025 clay dominance, tactical evolution, and mental fortitude make her the player to beat at Roland Garros. Her Rome title, historical near-miss, and self-imposed expectations elevate the stakes. While a semifinal or final appearance would be commendable, her trajectory and public sentiment suggest only the title will satisfy. As she stated post-Rome, “I’m not here to make up the numbers.” Anything less will sting.
