As World No. 2 Coco Gauff captured her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open, the emotional scenes that unfolded off the court were just as gripping as the action inside Court Philippe-Chatrier.
While the 21-year-old roared back from a set down to beat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, her mother was captured in a moment of solemn prayer in the stands, and her father, unable to handle the intensity, was reportedly “losing his mind” watching the match away from the crowd.
Coco Gauff Wins Her Second Singles Grand Slam Title
Gauff entered the final in Paris as the tournament’s No. 2 seed, having taken out opponents like Madison Keys, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and French wildcard Lois Boisson in a dominant campaign. In the final, she defeated top seed Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to clinch her second singles Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka started strong in the final, jumping to a 4-1 lead in the first set. Gauff battled back to 4-4 and forced a tiebreak, but the Belarusian held firm to take it 7-6(5). From there, Gauff took control. Sabalenka broke twice to dominate the second set 6-2, showcasing her trademark defense and confident shot-making.
In the decider, Gauff broke early for a 3-1 lead. Though Sabalenka leveled at 3-3, Gauff immediately broke back at love and never looked back, sealing the match 6-4 on her second championship point.
Following the tense final, a photo shared on X showed Coco’s mother, Candi, in the stands, eyes closed and hands clasped in prayer as her daughter fought for glory on the court below.
Coco’s mom, Candi, with the prayer on match point
IT WORKED 😭🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/7VJtHCkXJx
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 7, 2025
Meanwhile, her father, Corey Gauff, wasn’t even courtside. According to a post on X by Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs, he had stationed himself in the transportation area of the stadium, too nervous to watch courtside.
“Coco’s mum is awesome and Dad is seriously losing his mind somewhere in the players area,” Stubbs tweeted. “I heard he was in the transportation area watching on TV and was NOT relaxed… lol.”
Cocos mum is awesome and Dad is seriously losing his mind somewhere in the players area, I heard he was in the transportation area watching on tv and was NOT relaxed…lol
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) June 7, 2025
The emotional chaos gave way to a heart-melting moment post-match, as Gauff burst into tears and ran straight into the stands to embrace her parents.
Coco Gauff is in tears after winning the French Open 🥹#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/e2XQ1I8co4
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) June 7, 2025
Coco Gauff hugs her mom and dad after winning Roland Garros.
They have dedicated their lives to helping her achieve her dream.
They’ve helped her become a great tennis player.
But most importantly, they’ve taught her to be a great human being.
Beautiful moment. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/FIF4LuDh44
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 7, 2025
Both finalists at the French Open are walking away with impressive prize money for their remarkable performances. Champion Gauff will earn $2,901,024 for her title win, while runner-up Sabalenka will take home $1,450,512. With the win, Gauff pulled ahead in her head-to-head record against Sabalenka, breaking their previous 5-5 tie.
Gauff Credits Family Support After French Open Triumph
During her emotional victory speech after clinching the French Open title, Gauff paid heartfelt tribute to her family, especially her parents and brothers, acknowledging the vital role they’ve played in her journey.
“I want to thank you parents,” Gauff said. “You guys do all for me for washing my clothes, to keep me grounded and giving me the belief that I can do it. You guys probably believe in me more than I do in myself. So I really appreciate it. I love you guys. And to my brothers at home, you guys are the reason why I’m here. But you guys are the reason why I do this and you inspire me more than you know. It’s all my family back at home. Thank you.”
