World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on second-ranked Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated French Open final on Saturday, marking the first women’s Grand Slam final between the top two seeds since the 2018 Australian Open.
Sabalenka, fresh off a stunning win over defending champion Iga Swiatek, is targeting her first Roland Garros title — and her first major trophy on clay — in what she says would “mean the world.”
“We’ve developed my game so much in the past few years. I feel really comfortable on this surface and actually enjoy playing on clay,” Sabalenka said. “If I’m able to lift this trophy, it’s just going to mean the world for us.”
The Belarusian will be contesting her seventh WTA final of the season — the most by any player at this point in the calendar since Serena Williams in 2013. Her dominant semifinal performance ended Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak in Paris, sealed with a ruthless 6-0 final set in just 22 minutes.
“That match felt like a final,” Sabalenka admitted. “But the job’s not done. I have to fight again on Saturday — especially if it’s Coco.”
A rivalry reignited
This will be a rematch of the 2023 US Open final, where Gauff came from a set down to claim her first Grand Slam title. Their head-to-head stands at 5–5, though Sabalenka triumphed in their most recent encounter in the Madrid Open final last month.
For Sabalenka, this is her first Slam final not on hard courts. For Gauff, it’s her second French Open final, after a heartbreaking loss to Swiatek in 2022.
The American star, now 21, hopes to become just the third woman since Maria Sharapova to win two Grand Slam titles before turning 22 — a feat previously achieved only by Swiatek and Naomi Osaka.
“Obviously I have more confidence now, just from having played in a Slam final before — and doing well in one,” Gauff said. “I’ll give it my best shot and try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible.”
Respect and rivalry
Gauff praised Sabalenka’s powerful game and mental toughness.
“She can hit big winners from anywhere on the court. Her mentality’s also a big strength — she’s a fighter, she stays in matches no matter the score.”
Sabalenka acknowledged Gauff’s growth, especially on clay, where the American has reached at least the quarter-finals in her last five appearances at Roland Garros.
Both players have proven themselves under pressure. Gauff is back in a Grand Slam final after two semifinal exits in the past year, while Sabalenka is bidding for her third major title in less than two years.
“It feels kinda fast, to be honest — the US Open doesn’t feel that long ago,” said Gauff. “We’ve had some great battles, and anything can happen on Saturday. I’m excited to face the world No. 1 again.”
