Gauff continues American resurgence

Sabalenka rues worst title battle of career

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Coco Gauff continued a spectacular season for American women at the Grand Slams when she battled from a set down to topple world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a lacklustre French Open final for a maiden Roland Garros crown on Saturday.

The 21-year-old's 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-4 victory helped her become the first American to capture the singles trophy in Paris since Serena Williams in 2015 and the youngest from the United States to achieve the feat since her decorated compatriot in 2002.

Victory, which follows colleague Madison Keys' Australian Open triumph, helped the erase memories of Gauff's crushing loss to Iga Swiatek in 2022 and confirmed her pedigree on the biggest stage after a breakthrough triumph at the 2023 US Open.

"I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago," said Gauff, who has won both her major titles after rallying from a set down to beat Sabalenka.

"I'm just glad to be back here. I was going through a lot of dark thoughts. Three finals... I guess I got the most important win. That's all that matters," added the American who had tripped up at the final hurdle in the Madrid and Rome finals last month.