How Coco Gauff Harnessed the Power of Words and Reflection to Conquer the French Open

PARIS (AP) — Coco Gauff’s journey to winning the French Open is a story of determination. At just 21, she claimed her second major title by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4.

Before the final match, Gauff felt she needed extra motivation. She took inspiration from Gabby Thomas, the 200-meter Olympic champion. Thomas had written affirmations about her victory repeatedly in her Notes app. Gauff adopted the same technique, writing, “I will be French Open champion 2025” multiple times.

“I was trying to instill that belief,” Gauff said. “It worked!”

That night, she also looked in the mirror, envisioning herself as a champion. “When you’re desperate, you’re just trying anything to help you win,” she added with a laugh.

Gauff shared a message from four years ago, saying she had a dream of winning the French Open. That dream became a reality.

During the final, Gauff displayed remarkable calmness compared to Sabalenka, who expressed her frustrations openly. “I know how important it is to let out those emotions in practice," Gauff explained. This mindset allows her to stay focused during matches.

Looking ahead, Gauff will transition to grass-court season, starting with a tournament in Berlin before heading to Wimbledon, where she plans to enjoy her favorite hobby: Escape Rooms.

On the other hand, Sabalenka has a different plan for coping with her loss. She’s booked a flight to Mykonos, ready to unwind with some tequila and gummy bears. “I just need a couple of days to forget about this crazy world,” she said.

Overall, Gauff’s win highlights the power of self-belief, a theme echoed by many top athletes. In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 76% of elite athletes reported that mental preparation significantly contributed to their performance. As Gauff prepares for her next challenges, her story serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from both mindset and resilience.

For more sports insights, check out the AP Tennis section for updates and stories.

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Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Tennis, French Open Tennis Championships, Berlin, French Open, Paris, Sports