We can debate whether or not defense wins championships in team sports. But today we know defense definitely wins major tennis titles. On Saturday afternoon in Paris, amid cold, damp and windy conditions, Coco Gauff simply neutralized an aggressive opponent and won her second major, taking the 2025 French Open title, beating Aryna Sabalenka 6–7, 6–2, 6–4.

In a topsy-turvy match involving the top two seeds of the tournament, Gauff retrieved balls, played with poise and patience and let her opponent combust. Of course, when the opportunity presented itself she was happy to go on the offense. But this was a victory for retrieving and it earned Gauff not just her second major, but a slot in the Tennis Hall of Fame.

This was a match that was a replay of the 2023 U.S. Open final, which was Gau

See Full Page