Roland-Garros 2025 - Coco Gauff : "J'ai l'impression d'être sur le toit du monde"

Tennis Actu TV

07/06/2025

Coco Gauff tient enfin son premier titre à Roland-Garros. La numéro 2 mondiale est allée au bout d'elle-même, samedi, sur la terre battue du Court Philippe-Chatrier. Malgré une manche de retard à face la numéro 1 mondiale Aryna Sabalenka, l'Américaine de 21 ans a gardé le cap et élevé son niveau de jeu pour recoller au score et même renverser la vapeur. Bien aidée, certes, par les 70 fautes directes de la Biélorusse, la Floridienne est allée chercher sa victoire, son deuxième titre du Grand Chelem après l'US Open 2023, et son premier à Roland-Garros, trois ans après sa finale perdue contre Iga Swiatek. Fait amusant, Gauff avait rêvé en 2021 qu'elle remporterait Roland-Garros 2025... Dingue.

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00:00BNP Paribas, partenaire des plus belles histoires de Roland Garros, aux côtés des ramasseurs de balles depuis plus de 50 ans.

00:30Merci.

00:32Merci.

00:34Merci.

00:35Merci.

00:36Just how bad were the conditions on court?

00:39Because from where we sit, we never really feel the wind.

00:41So can you just describe to us what it was like on court?

00:44Was it kind of going one way or swirling?

00:46And, you know, how difficult was it?

00:48Arenas described the conditions as terrible.

00:50Yeah, it was really difficult, especially like on the far end of the court.

00:55It was so hard to hit the ball and get it through the court.

00:58And then the other side, if you didn't accelerate, it would fly.

01:01It was really like my first round match.

01:03It felt very similar to that.

01:05So I knew what to expect.

01:07I didn't know if the roof was going to be open or close to about like 30, 40 minutes before the match.

01:12And after playing my last two matches indoor, it was definitely a different experience.

01:18And, yeah, I knew it wasn't going to be easy for either of us.

01:25Well done, Coco.

01:26Thanks.

01:27So how is this one different than the first one in terms of like emotionally what you went through when it was over, what it's been like the last hour and just sort of what it feels like?

01:39I guess part of it.

01:40I mean, how is it the same and how might it be different and what does it do for you?

01:44Yeah, obviously, I think the first one was maybe more emotional, but I think this one was just harder because, you know, you win one and you just don't want to get satisfied with just that one.

01:57And I also felt like, you know, this one was one I really wanted because I do think this was one of the tournaments that when I was younger that I felt that I had the best shot of winning.

02:06So I just felt like if I went through my career and didn't get at least one of these, I would feel regrets and stuff.

02:12So today playing arena, I was just like, I just got to go for it and try my best to get through the match. And yeah, that's what I did.

02:19Congratulations.

02:21Thanks.

02:22You mentioned in your trophy ceremony having dark thoughts. I think it's a phrase you used after your 2022 final here. Can you just talk through, I guess, on paper, it looks like you've kind of had this perfect career.

02:32You know, you won second Grand Slam by 21, but there have been some harder moments. Can you just talk about that? And what sort of made those thoughts come up as you were standing there with the trophy today?

02:41Yeah, I just remembered, you know, that ceremony when Iga won, I just remember trying to take it all in and pay attention to every detail and just feel like I wanted that experience for myself.

02:53And so when the anthem got played, I vividly remember watching her pretty emotional when the Polish anthem got played. And I was like, wow, that's such a cool moment.

03:03So when anthem got played today, I kind of had those reflections. And yeah, it was a tough time. I was doubting myself, wondering if I would ever be able to succumb, especially my mentality going into that match.

03:12I was crying like before the match and like so nervous and like literally couldn't breathe and stuff. So I was like, if I can't handle this, how am I going to handle it like again?

03:21And then obviously US Open happened, which I think that created that reaction. And now I just felt really ready today. And I was like, I'm just going to leave it all out there. And regardless of what happens, I can leave proud.

03:31Congratulations. Thank you. For one double break, first set. I would like to know how you felt at this moment, both emotionally and tenistically, what had to be done to change the score?

03:44Yeah, honestly, I felt my timing was so off from the beginning with the wind and stuff. And I was just telling getting every point and I was down double break against Madison Keys.

03:54So I had thoughts of that match as well and just felt like I could use that experience that today. So I really think that match helped me today. It was kind of a similar score line. Honestly, it was lost that set 7-6. If you swap the last two sets, it would be the same score line. So, or almost the same score line. So yeah, I think I was recounting on that match for today.

04:16Yeah, Coco, I remember talking to you and your parents a few years ago and there was talk of French lessons and slinging some French out there. Did that cross your mind? Were you tempted to give it a shot at the ceremony or not?

04:28Yeah, I thought about saying at the ceremony how I've really tanked on my French because I was like, I've thought for so long when I was studying French that I would do this in French.

04:38And I completely tanked on that. So maybe if I get another opportunity, I can try again, at least for sure I won't. I don't think I can do a whole speech, but maybe at least like a good something to say to the French crowd.

04:49I thought about writing something because when I can read it, it's better off the top of my head. No, I thought about writing something before the match, but I didn't want to jinx it. So I didn't do it.

04:57Hi, Coco. Congratulations. Sometimes it seems like losing a tight first set, as you did today, almost makes you more likely to go on and win a tennis match. Like this kind of pattern of match has happened to you quite a lot. Like how do you feel after losing a heartbreaking lengthy set like that? How do you kind of make it more likely to go on and win the match?

05:21Yeah. I mean, obviously first just disappointment, especially because I had so many chances in that tiebreaker and obviously she played well and when it mattered in that set.

05:29And yeah, I just kind of was just like, well, I got to try again and not play the same way. I was trying to be more aggressive in the second set, which it worked.

05:38And then the third, I mean, I knew she was going to raise her level, which she came out playing well at that first game.

05:44And so I was just like, I have to try to match it. And yeah, just run. I mean, I know it's so hard to out hit her.

05:50So I was trying my best to put her on defense, but with the wind and stuff, you know, I felt it was also more important to try to get as many balls in the court as possible,

05:59just because it was tough to like plant your feet. The ball was moving so much. Some shots that I felt really comfortable on, on a normal day felt awful today.

06:09Hi there, Coco. Arena has been in and made it clear how frustrating she found the conditions, the wind.

06:15And how aware were you of what was going on over the other side of the court there in her mind and with her body language?

06:23And does that form part of maybe the tactics in a way to try to get a feeling more like that?

06:29Yeah, I was aware a little bit, but also like I don't pay attention too much, especially against Arena, because I've seen her get mad and then go on a tear.

06:38So I was just trying not to pay attention to it today. I knew I was frustrated maybe if I didn't show it as much,

06:44but I was visible, like, oh, I think I, in my head, I was frustrated. And I know if I'm frustrated, then my opponent has to be frustrated.

06:50So, yeah, it was not a day for great tennis, honestly. I don't know too many people that could play great tennis today,

06:58but, you know, it's part of the sport and part of playing outside. You just don't know what to expect, especially in Paris.

07:05Just to follow up on that, congratulations. Do you, though, take pride almost in seeing when you see an opponent who is kind of getting frustrated

07:16or struggling with the conditions, does that kind of give you a little bit of a lift?

07:21Yeah, I mean, I don't, I wouldn't say it doesn't give me much of a lift just because it wasn't great.

07:28So, yeah, obviously when you see your opponent frustrated in any circumstance, if it's tough or not, obviously it does uplift you just because you know that they're frustrated.

07:37But, like, today it wasn't anything that I was paying attention to too much just because I feel like she's the type of player that lets that frustration out

07:45and then can play some great tennis. So I was just not really focused on her this much and more so focused on me.

07:52Hi, Coco. Congratulations. How's it like to lift the trophy? Is it a bit heavy? I saw you kind of suffering holding the trophy.

08:02Yeah, it's definitely. Do you have a special place for it?

08:04Well, they give us a little small one. So this is the, yeah, this one is heavy.

08:10I was trying to see which one was heavier, this one or US Open. They were both heavy.

08:14They kind of look the same now that I'm looking at it up close.

08:17But it feels great to lift it. Honestly, being on the podium is really cool.

08:21I like how they do that. It makes you feel, like, on top of the world and stuff.

08:24So that was definitely a moment I won't forget and a crowd full of people too.

08:29Incredible accomplishment, Coco. Well done.

08:31Thank you.

08:33It's interesting you spoke about hearing the Polish anthem a few years back.

08:37And now today you seem to be struck by the Star Spangled Banner.

08:42I know you're a tennis player first and foremost, but can you speak about what it's like traveling the world as an American?

08:51Have you reflected on that? What does that mean?

08:54Yeah, I mean, it means a lot.

08:55And, you know, obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now with things like everything.

09:01Yeah, I'm sure you guys know.

09:03But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of, I guess, people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period.

09:16And so just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.

09:21And I remember, you know, after the election and everything, it kind of felt down period a little bit and things like that.

09:27And my mom told me, like, during Riyadh, just try to win the tournament just to give something for people to smile for.

09:33And so that's what I was thinking about today when holding that and then seeing the flags in the crowd means a lot.

09:39And, you know, I, you know, some people may feel some type of way about being patriotic and things like that.

09:44But I'm definitely patriotic.

09:45I'm proud to be American and I'm proud to represent, you know, the Americans that look like me and people who kind of support the things that I support.

09:53All right, Koko, congrats.

09:56Thanks.

09:56Your first tag was for Spike Lee.

09:59Yes.

10:00He was mad about you all the match.

10:03Yes.

10:03Can you describe your relationship with him?

10:06Honestly, the only time I've, that was the first time I really met him up close.

10:10I seen him at my matches at US Open and then when I saw him on the court today, I saw him when I was warming up.

10:15They, like, panned the camera to him in the gym when I was warming up.

10:17And I was like, oh, my gosh, Spike Lee's there.

10:19And then I kind of felt bad because I usually put my towel in that spot, which is why I feel like he sat there.

10:25But because, you know, the lower ranked player gets the other box, I put my towel in the other box.

10:29And then when I saw him on the court, I was like, if I win this match, the first person I'm going to dap up is Spike Lee.

10:34And so once I won the match, I went on the ground and everything.

10:37I was headed straight to Spike Lee.

10:39And, yeah, I wanted to tell him, you know, I had to do it, you know, even though the Knicks didn't win.

10:44I'm glad I gave him something to cheer for.

10:46So, yeah, that was pretty cool.

10:47I haven't seen the video yet, but I'm excited to see it.

10:52Yeah, Koki, at the start, you said it was about willpower and mental strength.

10:57What seemed noticeable is that you didn't seem to, I would say, panic or give into any nerves at any time.

11:03Maybe you were feeling them.

11:04Was that a key part of your victory was to keep that mental strength really high level?

11:10Yeah, especially in that last game, I was, like, definitely freaking out and stuff.

11:14And also serving on the other side of the court where it's harder to serve, I think.

11:18So I was definitely just trying my best to stay calm and if I wasn't going to show it.

11:23But I was feeling it.

11:24But I was just trying to breathe and get through them and just remember my fundamentals.

11:29A few more.

11:30Over here.

11:30Finals in Madrid, in Rome, you won here.

11:36You made a lot of matches on clay courts.

11:39And which are your programs before Wimbledon?

11:42Will you take some day off?

11:45What is the preparation for Wimbledon?

11:48Honestly, I haven't thought that far ahead.

11:51Yeah, I mean, obviously, I'm going to take some days off for sure.

11:54I'm signed up for Berlin right now.

11:56We'll see, you know, if I play or not.

11:59You know, this part of the season is new just because of the fact that it's so short.

12:03And I don't know what I'm going to do yet.

12:06But I'll have that conversation with my team and take their opinions and see what they think is best.

12:11But for sure, I'm going to rest and enjoy it and not go into training too quickly just because I feel like, you know, this stuff doesn't happen too often.

12:20So I've just got to enjoy it.

12:21I have a couple more.

12:23There will be one up here and one up there.

12:27One up here.

12:27I'm sorry.

12:30Coco, congrats.

12:31Thank you.

12:32You talk a lot about perspective and that there's a lot worse things happening in the world than people losing in Grand Slam finals.

12:38Yeah.

12:39And I know you're trying to become a better person.

12:41And that's what it's all about.

12:42But do you think that it actually helps you in these big moments in front of these big moments on the tennis court?

12:47Yeah, for sure.

12:48Honestly, after I lost the first set, you know, I told myself, like, I'll just give it my all.

12:53And, you know, if I lose this match, then at least I can say I gave it all out there.

12:59And I'll go and go home and get to see my boyfriend and everything like that.

13:03And honestly, I've been telling myself that every day.

13:05Obviously, I'd love to be here.

13:07I'd love to win.

13:07But, you know, sometimes you realize, you know, if you lose, whatever, not whatever.

13:11I mean, I hate losing.

13:12But, you know what I mean?

13:13It's you go home, you reset.

13:14So today when I was lost at first set, I was just like trying not to put too much pressure on the match.

13:20And, yeah, I think it worked.

13:21I was able to loosen up after that and play a little bit freer.

13:24Congratulations, Coco.

13:27When Irina sat here, she said that she thinks if Iga had won her, she wins the thing today because of how the match turned up.

13:35Do you think the way you play today, you beat anyone?

13:38It doesn't matter who's on the other side of the net?

13:40She said if Iga won, if I play Iga in the final.

13:42She said that if Iga, she didn't mention exactly winning you, but she said if Iga won me, she would win the thing.

13:47I mean, I don't agree with that.

13:50I'm here sitting here.

13:51And last time I played, no, like to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets.

13:56So, yeah, I don't think that's a fair thing to say because anything can really happen.

14:03And, yeah, honestly, I mean, the way Irina was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win.

14:10So I think she was the best person that I could have played in the final, her being number one in the world.

14:15She was the best person to play.

14:17So I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone.

14:20Obviously, Iga being a champion here, it was going to be a tough match either way.

14:25But, yeah, I think regardless of who I played, I think I had a good shot to win, and I definitely had that belief.

14:30And if you ask me, like, honestly speaking to you guys who I wanted to play, it was Iga just because I felt Irina was playing so good, and she was.

14:40But also, Iga is a tough opponent, too.

14:42So, honestly, neither of them would have been a better shot.

14:45But, you know, it played out how it played out.

14:47And, yeah, that's why I'm here today.

14:49Yeah, you did well anyway.

14:50Thanks.

14:52I just wanted to ask you about your parents.

14:53You went up to see them there.

14:54And I know you were talking about going to escape rooms with them and stuff during the tournament.

14:57And your mom has been traveling with you a lot.

14:59And your dad's around.

14:59And more hidden a lot of times, too.

15:01Yeah.

15:01Just what has their support meant to you for guiding you through?

15:04Because you've been in this.

15:05It's hard to remember how young you still are sometimes because you've been on this road a long time, and they've been there by your side the whole way.

15:11Yeah, it's meant a lot to me.

15:13And, you know, they're definitely someone who listens to my pan the most.

15:17And I think, you know, sometimes we hear crazy stories with tennis parents and all that.

15:20And I can say I don't relate to that.

15:22I've asked my dad to take a step back, and he did.

15:25And it ended up being a great thing for both of us.

15:27And my mom, I've asked, I needed her to be on the road more just to have, especially, well, I have my physio.

15:32But, you know, being on a team full of men, I was like, I need some estrogen and some female energy here.

15:38So I asked my mom to go.

15:40And, you know, women just notice more things.

15:42So, yeah, hugging them at the end.

15:44My mom was pretty emotional.