In a powerful and emotional moment following her French Open 2025 victory, American tennis star Coco Gauff revealed a secret note she had written to herself. The handwritten message read: “I will win French Open 2025. I will be French Open Champion 2025.”
The note, tucked away throughout the tournament, was Gauff’s personal affirmation, a declaration of belief that became reality on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. After defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought final, Gauff shared the note with the world, drawing admiration from fans and athletes alike for her unwavering self-confidence and mental strength.
The 21-year-old Gauff battled back from a set down to claim the title with a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 win over Sabalenka. It was her second Grand Slam title, after winning the US Open in 2023, and her first on the Parisian clay.
While her performance on the court was a masterclass in power, movement, and poise, it was the small slip of paper that truly encapsulated her journey. It wasn’t just a motivational message; it was a prophecy she made for herself.
Roland Garros 2025: Carlos Alcaraz Snaps Rafael Nadal’s Footprint Ahead Of Semifinal Clash With Lorenzo Musetti; Video
In a touching pre-match moment at Roland‑Garros, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz paused on Court Philippe‑Chatrier to take a photograph of Rafael Nadal’s immortalized footprint plaque before his semifinal against Lorenzo Musetti. The image resonated deeply, symbolizing respect, legacy, and the passing of the torch at the French Open.
Following Nadal’s tearful farewell ceremony on May 25, the tournament installed a commemorative plaque in his honor embedded with his famed footprint and a replica of the French Open trophy on Court Philippe‑Chatrier. Alcaraz, who has openly cited Nadal’s legacy as a source of inspiration, framed the footprint beautifully with his phone camera, capturing the moment before stepping onto the canvas himself.
By photographing Nadal’s footprint, Alcaraz blended humility with reverence, a visual tribute to the Spaniard who won 14 French Open titles and defined clay-court dominance. This moment not only connected the past and present but also highlighted what’s at stake: cementing his own legacy at Roland‑Garros.
