Gauff vs Sabalenka: French Open Final Showdown
For the first time in seven years, the top two women’s tennis players in the world—Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff—will battle in a Grand Slam final, as they face off at Roland Garros in the 2025 French Open women’s singles championship.
The matchup promises a new name on the trophy, with world No. 1 Sabalenka chasing her fourth major title and world No. 2 Gauff aiming for her second Grand Slam crown.
Gauff previously lifted the US Open title in 2023, while Sabalenka owns two Australian Open titles and won last year’s US Open, but this will be her first final in Paris.
Rivalry Renewed
The head-to-head between the two is evenly balanced—five wins each from 10 matches. Gauff edged Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final, while Sabalenka got revenge in the 2024 Australian Open semi-final.
Their clay court record is also split, though Sabalenka won their most recent clash convincingly in the Madrid final, giving her a slight mental edge going into Saturday’s showdown on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The winner will not only claim the prestigious Roland Garros title, but also earn €2.5 million and 2,000 WTA ranking points.
Path to the Final
Sabalenka’s run has been dominant, including a statement three-set win over four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, snapping her 26-match winning streak at the event.
The 27-year-old Belarusian has reached the final in seven of her 10 tournaments this year and leads the WTA Tour with 40 wins from 46 matches.
Remarkably, this marks her third straight Grand Slam final, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2016.
Gauff, meanwhile, dispatched French wildcard Lois Boisson in straight sets during a semi-final that tested her composure amid a partisan home crowd.
The 21-year-old American has continued to shine on clay, reaching finals in Madrid, Rome, and now Paris—making her the youngest woman since Maria Sharapova in 2007 to do so in the same season. She’s also the youngest to reach 70 career Grand Slam match wins in that span.
What to Expect
Sabalenka, long considered a hard-court powerhouse, has evolved her game for clay. Her semi-final win against Swiatek showcased improved point construction, short rallies, and devastating shot placement. She acknowledged the significance of potentially winning on clay:
“It’s going to mean everything to me and my team. Most of my life I was told clay wasn’t for me. If I can win this, it’ll mean the world.”
Gauff, aware of Sabalenka’s aggressive playing style, said she plans to stay mentally sharp and counter with tactical defense:
“She’s going to come out swinging. I just have to expect that and play my best tennis. Anything can happen on Saturday.”
Both women have dropped just one set en route to the final, setting the stage for what could be a classic encounter in Paris.
Also on Saturday
Later in the day, British duo Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will compete in the men’s doubles final against Marcel Granollers (Spain) and Horacio Zeballos (Argentina).
Gauff vs Sabalenka: French Open Final Showdown