Coco Gauff Is A Grand Slam Champion In Singles And Doubles, Exceeding Her Own Expectations

PARIS — Coco Gauff has won Grand Slam singles and doubles titles, which she did not anticipate would happen so fast.

On Sunday, the 20-year-old American won her maiden major doubles title at the French Open, teaming up with Katerina Siniakova. They defeated Italians Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani 7-6 (5), 6-3, giving Gauff her second major title after winning the US Open singles the previous year.

Gauff | AP News Image

Coco Gauff Is A Grand Slam Champion In Singles And Doubles, Exceeding Her Own Expectations

“I think it’s just one of those things that happens when you least expect it,” Gauff remarked after winning the doubles title.

Gauff won her third women’s doubles final after finishing second in championship matches at Roland Garros in 2022 and the US Open in 2021.

“After I lost the first two (doubles) finals, I thought, well, okay, I reached that point, maybe I should focus on singles,” Gauff explained. “Same thing, US Open. I didn’t expect to win. I was having a very awful year. Then I didn’t expect to play. I think it’s funny how life teaches you these lessons.”

Gauff and Siniakova, from the Czech Republic, kissed the Coupe Simonne Mathieu, the victors’ prize.

“Third time’s the charm. Katerina, I appreciate you playing with me. Gauff recalled, “We decided to play together two days before the tournament.” “Thank you, fans. I understand that 11:30 Sunday morning is early for most folks. “It is early for me.”

Gauff | AP News Image

Coco Gauff Is A Grand Slam Champion In Singles And Doubles, Exceeding Her Own Expectations

The doubles final occurred before the men’s singles final, featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev later Sunday.

“I would rather play before the men’s final than after it, which may last seven hours. 11:30 was fine. “It was just a joke because I dislike waking up early,” Gauff explained. “I think the tournament scheduled us before that match was good.”

On Saturday, Paolini also finished second in the singles final at Roland Garros behind four-time champion Iga Swiatek. Swiatek defeated Gauff in the singles semifinals.

“The last two weeks were very nice, very emotional,” Paolini remarked. “I have many recollections. I can’t wait to get back.”

Siniakova has a career Slam in women’s doubles with partner Barbora Krejcikova and has won eight majors, including the French Open in 2018 and 2021.

Errani has also won a career Slam in doubles with her old partner, Roberta Vinci. The Italian pair won the French Open title in 2012, the same year Errani fell in the singles final.

“It seems really amazing to be back in this court. I’m not sure how many more years I have to play. But it’s always amazing to play these types of games,” the 37-year-old Errani stated. “It will be special to play the Olympics in this venue. So I will meet you in one month.”

Paolini competed in her first women’s doubles final.

Gauff | AP News Image

Coco Gauff Is A Grand Slam Champion In Singles And Doubles, Exceeding Her Own Expectations

Errani’s serve was broken twice in the opening set, so Paolini stayed on the baseline to compensate in the eleventh game. Errani held serve, proving the strategy effective.

Gauff and Siniakova won the first set after Errani’s volley at the net sailed long, and they raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set, leaving Paolini 0-30 on her serve.

The Italians rallied to 4-3 with a service game, but Errani’s serve was broken again, and their momentum was lost. ___

SOURCE – (AP)