Coco Gauff surpasses Serena Williams following her latest Roland Garros victory

Coco Gauff’s 2025 French Open campaign began with a mix of chaos and historic triumph. The second seed, who famously forgot her racquets ahead of her first-round clash against Olivia Gadecki, rebounded in style with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory—a win that also eclipsed a longstanding record held by her idol, Serena Williams.

As Gauff eyes her first Roland Garros title and aims to halt Iga Swiatek’s three-peat bid, this milestone adds fuel to her growing legacy. But what exactly did the 21-year-old achieve to outshine one of tennis’ greatest icons?

Gauff's unprecedented feat

With her dominant opening-round performance, Gauff etched her name into the history books as the youngest American player to notch 20 victories at the French Open in the Open Era. Surpassing Serena Williams, who reached the 20-win mark just months before her 22nd birthday, Gauff achieved the feat at 21 years and 4 months—a testament to her precocious talent and clay-court prowess.

The milestone underscores Coco Gauff’s rapid rise since her 2019 breakout. From a 15-year-old qualifier stunning Venus Williams at Wimbledon to a Grand Slam champion (2023 US Open), her consistency on Parisian clay has been remarkable. Despite falling short in the 2022 final and 2024 semifinals—both times to Swiatek—Gauff’s relentless progression now positions her as a genuine title threat.

From racquets mishap to record-breaking resolve

Gauff’s latest Roland Garros chapter nearly derailed before it began. Arriving on Court Philippe-Chatrier without her racquets, she shared a laugh with opponent Gadecki before a ball boy saved the day. Unfazed, Gauff unleashed her signature blend of power and precision, breaking Gadecki’s serve early and cruising through both sets.

The victory wasn’t just about advancing—it symbolized her ability to thrive under pressure. While Williams dominated Roland Garros with three titles, Gauff’s milestone highlights a different kind of greatness: sustained excellence at an age when most players are still finding their footing.

Gauff’s path to glory

Coco Gauff’s evolution on clay has been methodical. In 2022, her maiden French Open final run showcased raw potential but exposed tactical gaps against Swiatek’s mastery. By 2024, she pushed the Pole to three sets in the semifinals, refining her topspin forehand and net play. Now, with 20 wins and counting, her game boasts a maturity that blends Williams’ tenacity with her own athletic flair.

Key improvements driving her 2025 surge:

Enhanced Serve Consistency: Reducing double faults that plagued earlier campaigns.

Tactical Versatility: Mixing drop shots with baseline aggression to disrupt opponents.

Mental Resilience: Shaking off setbacks (like the racquet blunder) with poise.

Can Coco Gauff claim her first Roland Garros title?

Standing between Gauff and the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen is Swiatek, the three-time defending champion. Their rivalry has been lopsided (Swiatek leads 4-1 at Slams), but Gauff’s recent strides suggest a shift. Her 2025 Madrid Open semifinal win over Swiatek—a straight-sets stunner—proved she can dismantle the Pole’s clay dominance.

For Gauff, surpassing Williams’ record isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a psychological boost. “Serena’s the reason I picked up a racquet,” she’s often said. Now, carving her own path, Gauff stands on the brink of a legacy-defining fortnight.

Why this milestone matters

Coco Gauff’s 20-win achievement isn’t merely a stat—it’s a declaration. At 21, she’s already a Grand Slam champion, a consistent force on all surfaces, and now a record-holder on clay. While Williams’ 23 majors remain a distant target, Gauff’s trajectory hints at a career that could reshape American tennis.

As the Parisian crowd rallies behind her, one question lingers: Will this be the year Coco Gauff transforms potential into permanence?