ROLAND GARROS

June 7, 2025

Coco Gauff

Press Conference

C. GAUFF/A. Sabalenka

6-7, 6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Coco, congratulations. Your very first Roland Garros title. Such a battle out there today. How were you able to overcome your opponent and the elements to get the trophy today?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, it was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind because we warmed up with the roof closed. I was, like, this is going to be a tough day, and I knew it was just going to be about willpower and mental.

Yeah, it really came down to the last few points, but overall I'm just really happy with the fight that I managed today. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done, and that's all that matters.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Just how bad were the conditions on court? Because from where we sit, we never really feel the wind. So can you just describe to us what it was like on court? Was it kind of going one way or swirling? How difficult was it? Aryna described the conditions as terrible.

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, it was really difficult, especially, like, on the far end of the court, it was so hard to hit the ball and get it through the court. Then the other side, if you didn't accelerate, it would fly.

It was really like my first-round match. It felt very similar to that, so I knew what to expect. I didn't know if the roof was going to be open or closed until about 30, 40 minutes before the match. After playing my last two matches indoor, it was definitely a different experience.

And, yeah, I knew it wasn't going to be easy for either of us.

Q. How is this one different than the first one in terms of, like, emotionally what you went through, when it was over, what it's been like the last hour, and just sort of what it feels like? How is it the same, and how might it be different, and what does it do for you?

COCO GAUFF: Obviously I think the first one was maybe more emotional, but I think this one was just harder because, you know, you win one, and you just don't want to get satisfied with just that one.

So it was very difficult to match up. And I also felt like this is one I really wanted, because I do think this was one of the tournaments that when I was younger that I felt I had the best shot of winning. So I just felt like if I went through my career and didn't get at least one of these, I would feel regrets and stuff.

Today, playing Aryna, I was just, like, I just gotta go for it and try my best to get through the match. Yeah, that's what I did.

Q. You mentioned having dark thoughts after your 2022 final here. On paper, it looks like you've kind of had this perfect career. You've won second Grand Slam by 21, but there have been some harder moments. What sort of made those thoughts come up as you were standing there with the trophy today?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I just remembered, you know, that ceremony when Iga won, I just remembered trying to take it all in and pay attention to every detail and just feel like I wanted that experience for myself.

So when the anthem got played, I vividly remember watching her, pretty emotional when the Polish anthem got played. I was, like, Wow, this is such a cool moment. So when the anthem got played today, I kind of had those reflections.

Yeah, it was a tough time. I was doubting myself, wondering if I would ever be able to circum it, especially my mentality going into that match. I was crying before the match and so nervous, and literally couldn't breathe and stuff. I was, like, If I can't handle this, how am I going to handle it again?

Then obviously US Open happened, which credit that reaction, and now I just felt really ready today, and I was, like, I'm just going to leave it all out there, and regardless of what happens, I can leave proud.

Q. For one, the ball break, first set, I would like to know how you felt at this moment both emotionally, and tennistically, what had to be done to change the score?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, honestly I felt my timing was so off in the beginning with the wind and stuff. I was just getting every point. And I was down double break against Madison Keys, so I had thoughts of that match, as well, and just felt like I could use that experience today.

So I really think that match helped me today. It was kind of a similar scoreline. Honestly, lost that set 7-6. If you swap the last two sets, it would be the same scoreline, or almost the same scoreline. So, yeah, I think I was recounting on that match for today.

Q. I remember talking to you and your parents a few years ago, and there was talk of French lessons and singing some French out there. Did that cross your mind? Were you tempted to give it a shot at the ceremony or not?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I thought about saying in the ceremony how I've really tanked on my French, because I thought for so long when I was studying French that I would do this in French, and I completely tanked on that.

So maybe if I get another opportunity, I can try again. For sure, I don't think I can do a whole speech, but maybe at least, like, a good something to say to the French crowd.

I thought about writing something, because when I can read it, it's better. But off the top of my head, no. I thought about writing something before the match, but I didn't want to jinx it, so I didn't do it.

Q. Sometimes it seems like losing a tight first set, as you did today, almost makes you more likely to go on and win a tennis match. Like this pattern of matches happened to you quite a lot. How do you feel after losing a heartbreaking lengthy set like that? How do you make it more likely to go on and win the match?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, obviously first just disappointment, especially because I had so many chances in that tiebreaker. Obviously she played well when it mattered in that set.

Yeah, I just kind of was just, like, Well, I have to try again and not play the same way. I was trying to be more aggressive in the second set, which it worked.

Then the third, I knew she was going to raise her level, which she came out playing well at that first game. So I was just, like, I have to try to match it. And, yeah, just run.

I know it's so hard to outhit her, so I was trying my best to put her on defense. But with the wind and stuff, you know, I felt it was also more important to try to get as many balls in the court as possible, just because it was tough to plant your feet. The ball was moving so much. Some shots that I felt really comfortable on a normal day felt awful today.

Q. Aryna has been in and made it clear how frustrating she found the conditions, the wind. How aware were you of what was going on over the other side of the court there in her mind and with her body language? And does that form part of maybe the tactics in a way to try to get her feeling more like that?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I was aware a little bit, but also, I don't pay attention too much, especially against Aryna because I've seen her get mad and then go on a tear. So I was just trying not to pay attention to it today.

I knew I was frustrated, maybe I didn't show it as much, but in my head I was frustrated. I know if I'm frustrated, then my opponent has to be frustrated.

Yeah, it was not a day for great tennis, honestly. I don't know too many people that could play great tennis today, but you know, it's part of the sport and part of playing outside. You just don't know what to expect, especially in Paris.

Q. Just to follow up on that, do you take pride almost when you see an opponent who is kind of getting frustrated or struggling with the conditions? Does that kind of give you a little bit of a lift?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't say it doesn't give me much of a lift just because it wasn't great. So, yeah, obviously when you see your opponent frustrated in any circumstance, if it's tough or not, obviously it does uplift you just because you know that they're frustrated, but today wasn't anything that I was paying attention to too much, just because I feel like she's the type of player that lets that frustration out and then can play some great tennis.

So I was just not really focused on her as much and more so focused on me.

Q. How is it like to lift that trophy? Is it a bit heavy? I saw you kind of suffering holding the trophy. Do you have a special place for it?

COCO GAUFF: Well, they give us a little small one, so this is the -- yeah, this one is heavy. I was trying to see which one was heavier, this one or US Open. They are both heavy. They kind of look the same, now that I'm looking at it up close.

But it feels great to lift it. Honestly, being on the podium is really cool. I like how they do that. It makes you feel on top of the world and stuff. That was definitely a moment I won't forget, and a crowd full of people too.

Q. It's interesting, you spoke about hearing the Polish anthem a few years back. Now today you seemed to be struck by the Star-Spangled Banner. I know you're a tennis player first and foremost, but can you speak about what it's like traveling the world as an American? Have you reflected on that? What does that mean?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, it means a lot, and obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now with things -- like, everything, yeah. Yeah, I'm sure you guys know (smiling).

But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of I guess people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period, and so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.

I remember after the election and everything, it kind of felt down period a little bit and things like that, and my mom told me during Riyadh, Just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for. So that's what I was thinking about today when holding that.

And then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot. You know, some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that, but I'm definitely patriotic and proud to be American, and I'm proud to represent the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.

Q. Your first tag was for Spike Lee. He was mad about you all the match. Can you describe your relationship with him?

COCO GAUFF: Honestly, the only time I've -- that was the first time I really met him up close (laughing). I've seen him at my matches at US Open, and then when I saw him on the court today, I saw him when I was warming up. They, like, panned the camera to him in the gym when I was warming up. I was, like, Oh, my gosh, Spike Lee is there.

I kind of felt bad because I usually put my towel in that spot, which is why I feel like he sat there. But because the lower-ranked player gets the other box, I put my towel in the other box. Then when I saw him on the court, I'm like, If I win this match, the first person I'm going to dap up is Spike Lee.

So once I won the match, I went on the ground and everything. I headed straight to Spike Lee. And, yeah, I wanted to tell him, but you know, I had to do it, that even though the Knicks didn't win, I gave him something to cheer for.

Yeah, that was pretty cool. I haven't seen the video yet, but I'm excited to see it.

Q. Coco, at the start you said it was about willpower and mental strength. What seemed notable is you didn't seem to, I would say, panic or give into any nerves at any time. Maybe you were feeling them. Was that a key part of your victory was to keep that mental strength at a really high level?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, especially in the last game I was definitely freaking out and stuff and also serving on the other side of the court where it's harder to serve, I think.

So I was definitely just trying my best to stay calm, and if I wasn't going to show it. But I was feeling it, but I was just trying to breathe and get through them and just remember my fundamentals.

Q. Finals in Madrid and Rome. You won here. You made a lot of match on clay courts. Which are your program before Wimbledon? Will you take some day off, or what will the preparation for Wimbledon?

COCO GAUFF: Honestly, I haven't thought that far ahead. Yeah, I mean, obviously I'm going to take some days off, for sure.

I'm signed up for Berlin right now. We'll see if I play or not. This part of the season is new just because of the fact that it's so short, and I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but I'll have that conversation with my team and take their opinions and see what they think is best.

For sure I'm going to rest and enjoy it and not go into training too quickly just because I feel like this stuff doesn't happen too often, so just got to enjoy it.

Q. You talk a lot about perspective and that there's a lot worse things happening in the world than people losing a Grand Slam final. I know you're trying to become a better person. That's what it's all about, but do you think that it actually helps you in these big moments in front of these big moments on the tennis court?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, for sure. Honestly, after I lost the first set, I told myself, like, I'll just give it my all, and if I lose this match, then at least I can say I gave it all out there, and I'll go and go home and get to see my boyfriend and everything like that.

Honestly, I've been telling myself that every day. Obviously I love to be here. I love to win, but sometimes you realize, you know, if you lose, you whatever -- not whatever. I mean, I hate losing. You know what I mean. You go home; you reset.

Today when I lost that first set, I was just trying not to put too much pressure on the match. Yeah, I think it worked. I was able to loosen up after that and play a little bit freer.

Q. When Aryna sat here, she said that she thinks if Iga had won her, she wins the thing today because of how the match turned up. Do you think the way you played today, you beat anyone, doesn't matter who is on the other side of the net?

COCO GAUFF: She said if Iga won, if I played Iga in the final?

Q. She didn't mention exactly winning you, but she said if Iga won me, she would win the thing.

COCO GAUFF: I mean, I don't agree with that. I'm here sitting here (laughter). Last time I played -- no shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets. Yeah, I don't think that's a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.

Yeah, honestly the way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win. So I think she was the best person that I could have played in the final. Her being No. 1 in the world was the best person to play, so I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone.

Obviously Iga being a champion here, it was going to be a tough match either way. But, yeah, I think regardless of who I played, I think I had a good shot to win, and I definitely had that belief. If you asked me, honestly speaking to you guys who I wanted to play, it was Iga just because I felt Aryna was playing so good, and she was.

But also, Iga is a tough opponent too. So honestly, neither of them would have been the better shot. But, you know, it played out how it played out. Yeah, that's why I'm here today.

Q. I wanted to ask you about your parents. You went up to see them there, and you talked about going to escape rooms with them and stuff during the tournament, and your mom has been traveling with you a lot and your dad is around. What has their support meant to you? It's hard to remember how young you still are sometimes, because you've been on this road a long time, and they've been there by your side the whole way.

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, it's meant a lot to me. They're definitely someone who listens to my opinion the most, and I think sometimes we hear crazy stories about tennis parents and all that, and I can say I don't relate to that.

I asked my dad to take a step back, and he did, and it ended up being a great thing for both of us. My mom, I've asked, I needed her to be on the road more just to have, especially -- well, I have my physio, but being on a team full of men, I was, like, I need some estrogen and some female energy here, so I asked my mom to go (smiling).

Women just notice more things. So, yeah, hugging them at the end. My mom was pretty emotional. My dad was just happy. My dad cried at US Open. He didn't cry here.

But I didn't think they were going to cry, but yeah, honestly, it's just been so great to have them and be able for them to experience. They put so much sacrifice into this, so I'm glad I get to experience with them.