Coco Gauff Defeats Aryna Sabalenka Yet Again as She Earns a Prestigious Honor for Second Straight Year
Coco Gauff has once again proven her dominance over Aryna Sabalenka, adding another chapter to their compelling rivalry with a standout 2025 season that culminated in a prestigious accolade. The 21-year-old American, ranked world No. 2, defeated the top-ranked Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final on June 7, 2025, securing her second Grand Slam title and becoming the first American to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2015. This victory, a gritty comeback from a set down, showcased Gauff’s resilience in windy conditions at Roland Garros, where she outlasted Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors with a smart, patient game.
Building on this success, Gauff earned the Best Tennis Player Award at the 2025 ESPY Awards on July 16, 2025, marking her second consecutive year receiving the honor. Despite an uneven season, her French Open triumph, following her 2023 US Open win over Sabalenka, underscored her status as a rising star. Gauff’s emotional on-court reaction—sobbing and kissing the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy—reflected the significance of overcoming the “dark thoughts” after her 2022 final loss. She credited her adaptability to the conditions, telling reporters, “It was going to be an ugly win, but I fought every point.”
Sabalenka, who had beaten Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, struggled mentally, later admitting her performance was her “worst tennis” in months and initially downplaying Gauff’s role in the loss. She later apologized via Instagram, acknowledging Gauff’s poise and deserving win. Gauff, appearing on “Good Morning America,” expressed surprise at the comments but emphasized no bad blood, calling Sabalenka a “fighter.” Their rivalry now stands at 6-5 in Gauff’s favor, with two Grand Slam finals victories.
As Gauff prepares for Wimbledon (June 30–July 13, 2025), where she aims to defend her 2023 US Open form, her ESPY repeat highlights her growing legacy. Fans on social platforms have praised her mental toughness, with some noting her ability to turn Sabalenka’s errors into points as key. With the US Open looming, Gauff’s focus on consistency and health positions her for another potential breakthrough, solidifying her as a beacon of hope in American tennis.
