Nationwide — In a thrilling display of resilience and grit, 21-year-old Coco Gauff captured her first French Open title on Saturday, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros. Gauff, who already held one Grand Slam title, became the youngest American since Serena Williams in 2002 to win the prestigious event, according to WTA Tennis. After the match, an emotional Gauff said, “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” before quoting rapper Tyler the Creator, adding, “I must’ve been lying to myself, because I could do it.”

Despite losing the opening set in a tight tiebreak, Gauff battled through swirling winds and Sabalenka’s powerful baseline play to take control in the second and third sets. She broke Sabalenka four times in the final two sets and held her nerve to seal the win, collapsing to the court in disbelief. Her victory drew praise from across the globe, including a congratulatory message from former First Lady Michelle Obama on her Facebook page. “There’s a lot going on in our country right now,” Gauff said. “I hope I gave people something to feel good about today.”