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Aryna Sabalenka aims for a French Open title as she goes up against Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated final at Roland Garros.
French Open: Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff at Roland Garros (AP)
World number one Aryna Sabalenka aims for a French Open title that would “mean the world” to her as she faces second-ranked Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated final at Roland Garros on Saturday.
This match represents the first time the world’s top two players have met in a women’s Grand Slam final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep at the 2018 Australian Open.
Sabalenka and Gauff previously clashed in the 2023 US Open final, where the Belarusian initially led by a set before Gauff, then a teenager, secured her first major title.
Their head-to-head record stands at 5-5, although Sabalenka won their most recent encounter at the Madrid Open final last month.
The top seed will be competing in her first Slam final on a surface other than hard court.
“In the past few years, we’ve developed my game significantly, so I feel comfortable on this surface and actually enjoy playing on clay,” she said after ending Iga Swiatek’s bid for a fourth consecutive Roland Garros title in the semi-finals.
“Winning this trophy would mean the world to us. I’m ready to fight for every point and give my all to secure the win.”
Sabalenka ended Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open with a decisive 6-0 set in just 22 minutes. However, the 27-year-old recognises the challenge ahead against Gauff, who excels on clay and has reached at least the quarter-finals in her last five appearances at the tournament.
“It was a big match against Swiatek, and it felt like a final, but I know the job isn’t done yet. I have to bring my best tennis on Saturday,” said the three-time major champion Sabalenka. “I have to earn that title, especially if it’s against Coco.”
Gauff, who hopes to remain “calm”, aims to become the third player to win two women’s Grand Slam titles before turning 22, following Maria Sharapova, who added the 2006 US Open to her 2004 Wimbledon win, and joining Swiatek and former world number one Naomi Osaka.
This will be the 21-year-old’s second Roland Garros final after a heavy defeat to Swiatek in 2022 left her in tears.
“I have more confidence now from playing a Grand Slam final before and doing well,” Gauff said. “I’ll give it my best shot and try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible.”
Sabalenka will be playing in her seventh WTA final of the year, the most by any player at this stage of a season since Serena Williams, who won the title in Paris in 2013.
Gauff acknowledges Sabalenka’s powerful gameplay and fighting spirit, which have helped her dominate the world rankings.
“Her ball striking and mentality are impressive. She can hit big shots and stay in the match regardless of the scoreline,” Gauff remarked.
This is Gauff’s first Slam final since beating Sabalenka in New York two years ago, following two semi-final losses, including one to Swiatek at Roland Garros last year.
“It feels fast; the US Open doesn’t seem too long ago,” she said. “Our past matches have been unpredictable. Anything can happen on Saturday, but I’m excited to compete against a world number one.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
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