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Coco Gauff became the first American in a decade to lift the trophy after the women’s single finals at Roland-Garros, and she was asked what it means to represent the United States.
After defeating the World No. 1 ARYNA Sabalenka in three sets to win the French Open, Gauff was asked what it is like to travel the world as an American.
“It means a lot. Of course, there’s a lot going on in our country right now,” Gauff replied via the tennis letter. “Just to be a representation of it and a representation of people who look like me in America who may not feel so supported during this period. To be the reflection of hope and light for these people.”
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Coco Gauff poses with the trophy after winning the women’s single final against ARYNA Sabalenka at Roland Garros Stadium. (Susan Mullane-Misted Pictures)
Gauff continued to bring up last year’s presidential election and the country’s response after President Donald Trump was elected to his second period. She referred to it as a “down period” in the states.
“I remember after the election and all, it felt like a downturn a little. My mom told me under Riyadh, try to win the tournament just to give people something to smile at. That’s what I was thinking of today,” Gauff said.
Despite the comment “Down period” Gauff said she is “determined patriotic.”
Barack and Michelle Obama among those who show Coco Gauff with praise after French open victory
“Some people may feel a kind of way of being patriotic and similar things, but I’m definitely patriotic. I’m proud to be American. I’m proud to represent Americans who look like me and people who kind of support the things I support,” Gauff added.
Coco Gauff plays a backhand against ARYNA Sabalenka during the French Open on June 7, 2025 in Paris. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old fell to the clay and covered her face on Roland-Garros after an exciting match against Sabalenka. Gauff lost the first set in a draw, but fought back to win the second set, 6-2, and got away with his second Grand Slam after a third set of 6-4 finish.
The last American winning the French Open? Serena Williams lifted the trophy in 2015.
“The audience really helped me today,” Gauff said after the match, as celebrities such as Spike Lee, Dustin Hoffman and many more noticeably cheered her throughout the match. “In guys, for me, cheered so hard and I don’t know what I did to deserve so much love from the French audience. But I value you.”
“The audience really helped me today,” Coco Gauff said after defeating Aryna Sabalenka. (Susan Mullane-Misted Pictures)
Gauff was also showered with praise by American celebrities, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Matthew McConaughey and more.
