Coco Gauff names this rival as the toughest loss of her career that fueled her resilience

At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has already carved out a remarkable career on the WTA Tour, with Grand Slam glory and a return to her career-high ranking of World No. 2. But behind her triumphs lies a defining moment of heartbreak—one she now credits as the catalyst for her mental strength and competitive edge.

In a candid reflection ahead of her French Open 2025 campaign, Gauff revealed that her crushing loss to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 Roland Garros final remains the toughest defeat of her career. Then only 18, Gauff stood on the biggest clay court stage, full of potential but overwhelmed by the moment.

“It was a tough feeling for me, I thought I had performed well below expectations in that final, not necessarily in terms of play, but mentally,” Gauff admitted. “I was very disappointed in how I approached that match, I thought I could never overcome it, so I turned it into motivation.”

A humbling loss that built Coco Gauff

Gauff’s 1-6, 3-6 loss to Swiatek on the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier was more than just a defeat. It was a reality check that tested her mindset and maturity. With tears streaming down her face during the trophy presentation, many wondered how the teenager would recover from such a brutal experience.

But instead of crumbling, Coco Gauff used the defeat as fuel. She worked tirelessly to elevate her mental toughness, embracing pressure situations with renewed purpose. Her eyes remained set on returning to a Grand Slam final—not just to compete, but to win.

The Comeback: From Paris pain to New York glory

That redemption arc unfolded beautifully in 2023, when Gauff reached the US Open final. Facing Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff stumbled early, dropping the first set 2-6. But the player who once wilted under the spotlight in Paris had grown.

With a mix of defensive brilliance and strategic poise, Gauff clawed her way back, winning the next two sets 6-3, 6-2. Roared on by a passionate New York crowd, she captured her first Grand Slam title on home soil—an achievement forged in the fire of that Paris defeat.

“I always had a hunch that I would be in a final again, so I wasn’t going to stay there,” Coco Gauff said of her loss in France. “Next time I’ll walk out with my head held high. That’s how I was able to face the US Open 2023 final differently, so I needed that defeat in Paris to reach that point.”

Eyes on more

Now entering the French Open with newfound experience and hunger, Gauff looks to become the first American since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the clay-court major. With back-to-back finals appearances in Madrid and Rome, she’s in top form—and mentally stronger than ever.

For Coco Gauff, the sting of that 2022 final was not an end, but a beginning. A rival’s dominance may have broken her then, but it also built the resilience that made her a champion.