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“I wrote that I would win the French Open”: Coco Gauff reflects on her mindset before Roland Garros victory, reveals a dream note from 2021

Posted on by Starteelic
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09
Jun
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Coco Gauff Wins 2025 French Open: A Dream Fulfilled and a Legacy in the Making
Coco Gauff’s historic 2025 French Open triumph over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wasn’t just a Grand Slam victory—it was the realization of a dream she wrote down in 2021. From defeating Venus Williams as a 15-year-old to becoming a two-time major champion, Gauff’s journey is one of belief, dedication, and resilience. Her win at Roland Garros cements her place among the brightest stars in women’s tennis and signals the start of what could be an era-defining career.

A Champion’s Belief: Coco Gauff’s 2025 French Open Victory
On a dramatic Saturday night in Paris, Coco Gauff battled her way to a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 French Open final. With this win, the 21-year-old American claimed her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open triumph. But the victory was more than a sports milestone—it was the culmination of years of vision and mental preparation.

Shortly after lifting the trophy, Gauff revealed that her mindset had been shaped by a personal affirmation she wrote years earlier. Inspired by American sprinter Gabby Thomas—who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics after writing down her dream to become Olympic champion—Gauff decided to do the same.

“I wrote, ‘I will be French Open champion 2025’ like a bunch of times,” Gauff told reporters. “She (Gabby Thomas) had written ‘I will be the Olympic champion,’ and she did it. That mindset really stuck with me.”

To make the moment even more powerful, Gauff shared a screenshot of a note she wrote on June 8, 2021, when she was just 17 years old. In it, she described having a vivid dream where she saw herself winning the French Open. “I don’t know if it is true or if it is this year’s French Open,” she wrote at the time. “But I had a dream about it.” Four years later to the day, the dream became reality.

From Childhood Prodigy to Tennis Superstar
Coco Gauff’s journey to Grand Slam glory began early. Born in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff picked up a tennis racket at age six. Both of her parents were former athletes—her father, Corey, played basketball at Georgia State University, while her mother, Candi, competed in track and field at Florida State. Their athletic backgrounds laid a strong foundation for Coco’s development.

Initially, tennis was just one of many activities. But everything changed when Gauff won her first tournament at the age of eight. Realizing her potential, her family made a bold decision: they moved from Atlanta back to Florida to focus entirely on her tennis career. Her father became her full-time coach, and her mother homeschooled her to provide more flexibility for training and travel.

At age 10, Coco began training at the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy in France, run by Patrick Mouratoglou, the longtime coach of Serena Williams. There, she developed her game in a competitive international environment. Her powerful baseline play, court coverage, and maturity beyond her years quickly set her apart.

2019: The World Takes Notice
Coco Gauff exploded onto the global tennis scene in 2019 at Wimbledon. At just 15 years old, she stunned seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round, becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to qualify for the tournament’s main draw. That victory instantly catapulted her into the spotlight and made her a fan favorite.

Gauff’s deep run at Wimbledon that year—reaching the fourth round—signaled that she was not just a one-hit wonder. She had the game, the mental toughness, and the charisma to become a future star. As she continued to climb the rankings and improve her consistency, the tennis world watched with anticipation.

2023 US Open: First Grand Slam Title
Gauff’s breakthrough moment came at the 2023 US Open, where she won her first Grand Slam title by defeating none other than Aryna Sabalenka in the final. At just 19 years old, she became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999.

The victory was symbolic in many ways. Not only did it establish Gauff as a force on the women’s tour, but it also highlighted her ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages. Her composure, tactical adjustments, and mental strength during that tournament showed she had evolved from a promising teenager into a world-class competitor.

The Road to Roland Garros Glory in 2025
Heading into the 2025 French Open, Gauff was one of the top contenders. Despite not being the top seed, she had built a strong clay-court season and showed a renewed focus, especially in the mental aspect of the game. Her improved serve, sharper groundstrokes, and aggressive net play made her a tough opponent for anyone on tour.

Her path to the final wasn’t easy. She had to overcome multiple seeded players, including former champions and rising stars. But Gauff’s composure in key moments and her ability to adapt to different styles of play proved crucial.

In the final against Sabalenka, Gauff lost a tightly contested first set in a tiebreak. But she stormed back to win the next two sets with authority, using her superior footwork, consistency, and mental resolve to outlast the world No. 1. The victory was not just a physical triumph—it was the result of years of belief and preparation.

The Power of Visualization and Mindset
What sets Coco Gauff apart is not just her athletic ability, but her mindset. Her decision to write down her goal of becoming the 2025 French Open champion is a powerful example of the law of attraction and the strength of intentional thinking. By stating her goal clearly, Gauff programmed her mind for success and maintained focus even during tough stretches.

In an era where mental health and performance psychology are gaining recognition in sports, Gauff’s openness about her dreams, fears, and motivations is refreshing. She has often spoken about the pressure of expectations and how she manages anxiety and self-doubt through journaling, therapy, and a strong support system.

By sharing her 2021 dream note with the world, Gauff has offered inspiration to athletes and fans alike: success begins with belief. Her story reinforces the idea that goals become reality when combined with hard work, vision, and resilience.

Legacy in the Making
At just 21, Coco Gauff has already achieved more than many players do in an entire career. Two Grand Slam titles, wins over top-ranked players, and a reputation as one of the most exciting talents in women’s tennis—all before reaching her mid-twenties.

But perhaps the most exciting part of Gauff’s journey is that she’s still improving. With every season, her game becomes more refined, her court awareness sharper, and her competitive edge stronger. She is not just a future No. 1 contender—she’s already in the conversation for the best player in the world.

As she continues to mature both on and off the court, Gauff is also becoming a role model for the next generation. Her poise, humility, and social consciousness make her a standout figure in today’s sports landscape. Whether speaking on racial justice, education, or personal growth, Gauff uses her platform with purpose and grace.

What’s Next for Coco Gauff?
With the 2025 French Open title under her belt, the sky is the limit for Coco Gauff. The grass-court season is next, and all eyes will be on her at Wimbledon—a tournament that first brought her into the global spotlight. A title at the All England Club would give her three different Grand Slam wins and further cement her as the face of the new generation in women’s tennis.

Looking ahead, Gauff has set herself up for a long and successful career. With a strong team behind her, a supportive family, and a champion’s mentality, she’s positioned to challenge the records set by legends like Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, and Martina Navratilova.

Final Thoughts
Coco Gauff’s 2025 French Open win is more than a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of belief, preparation, and perseverance. From a dream she had in 2021 to lifting the trophy at Roland Garros four years later, her journey is the embodiment of what it means to chase greatness.

As the tennis world celebrates this rising icon, fans and young athletes everywhere can draw inspiration from her story. Coco Gauff has not only arrived—she’s here to stay, and she’s just getting started.

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