Coco Gauff, after winning her first French Open title, credited her growing mental resilience and named Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as a key role model.
Coco Gauff’s triumphant comeback in the 2025 Roland Garros final shone a light on the mindset and inspirations that fuel her journey.
The 21-year-old American claimed her first French Open singles title by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping final, rallying from a set down to win 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4.
The victory marked Gauff's second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 US Open win, also against Sabalenka.
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Speaking after her dramatic win, Gauff reflected not only on her on-court resilience but also on the importance of mental positivity.
“Yeah, with the fighting spirit, I think it's something that I've had naturally, but trying to be more positive is something I had to work on,” she shared.
“I'm really happy with how I'm able to reset and be positive and try my best to give the best mentality to show up.”
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Role Model Beyond Tennis
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In a candid moment, Gauff opened up about the athletes who inspire her outside of tennis, naming American track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as a key role model.
“Sydney McLaughlin is someone that I really like and look up to in that way,” Gauff said, referencing McLaughlin-Levrone’s composure, discipline, and focus.
“Simone Biles, I think she just pushes herself,” she added, acknowledging the gymnast’s perseverance and strength.
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By looking up to athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone and Biles, Gauff aligns herself with women known not just for their dominance in sport but for their mental resilience and personal growth, qualities she is actively developing in her own career.
Gauff’s victory at Roland Garros cements her position as one of the brightest stars in tennis, but her perspective suggests she’s striving for more than just titles.
Her focus on positivity, mental reset, and drawing strength from athletes in other disciplines indicates a maturing mindset.