“Congratulations my fellow flag bearer” LeBron James echoes Barack Obama’s praise for Coco Gauff after French Open triumph
On June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff etched her name into tennis history by clinching the French Open women’s singles title at Roland Garros, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. The 21-year-old American’s victory marked her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open win, and made her the first American woman to claim the French Open crown since Serena Williams in 2015. Gauff’s triumph sparked a wave of celebration across the sports world and beyond, with prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and NBA legend LeBron James leading the chorus of praise for the young star’s remarkable achievement.
Gauff’s journey to the French Open title was a testament to her resilience and skill. Facing a formidable opponent in Sabalenka, she showcased her ability to adapt and overcome adversity. After dropping the first set in a tight tiebreak, Gauff battled back with precision and composure, dominating the second set and holding her nerve in a tense third set to secure the victory. Her performance on the clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface known for its grueling demands, highlighted her growth as a player since her breakout as a teenager. Gauff’s emotional response on social media captured the magnitude of the moment: “Wow. This means so much to me truly….French open champ. I worked so hard for this moment and for it to have happened is insane.”
The significance of Gauff’s win resonated far beyond the tennis court. Barack Obama, a known admirer of young athletes who inspire, took to X to congratulate her, writing, “Congratulations to @CocoGauff for an amazing championship at the French Open — the first American singles champion at @RolandGarros in a decade. You make us all proud.” His words underscored Gauff’s role as a trailblazer, not only for American tennis but for a new generation of athletes. Former First Lady Michelle Obama echoed this sentiment, praising Gauff’s “determination, strength, and grace” and noting that her victory “inspired us all — and showed us what’s possible.”
LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and four-time NBA champion, added his voice to the celebration, amplifying Obama’s post with his own heartfelt message: “I SECOND THAT!!! Congratulations my fellow flag bearer @CocoGauff 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤎.” The reference to their shared role as Team USA flag bearers at the 2024 Paris Olympics added a personal touch to his tribute. Gauff and James had made history together during the Olympic opening ceremony, becoming the first tennis player and first male basketball player, respectively, to carry the American flag. Their bond, evident in a viral TikTok video from the event where Gauff playfully urged James to greet her followers, underscored the mutual respect between the two athletes.
The outpouring of support for Gauff extended well beyond Obama and James. Tennis legends like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Rafael Nadal congratulated her, with Nadal praising both Gauff and Sabalenka for their “great battle.” Carlos Alcaraz, the men’s French Open finalist, also chimed in, while celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Vivica A. Fox joined the chorus. Even the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, reflecting Gauff’s South Florida roots, celebrated her achievement. A particularly poignant moment came when Gauff, after her victory, raced courtside to share a celebratory embrace with director Spike Lee, a courtside regular who had cheered her on throughout the match.
Gauff’s French Open win was more than a personal milestone; it was a cultural moment. At just 21, she has already established herself as a leader in women’s tennis, ranked No. 2 in the world and carrying the weight of expectations as a successor to icons like Serena Williams. Her ability to perform under pressure, coupled with her poise off the court, has made her a role model for young athletes globally. As LeBron James and others have noted, her work ethic and dedication mirror the qualities that have defined their own careers.
This victory also carried financial rewards, with Gauff earning $2.9 million in prize money, but its true value lies in its inspiration. Gauff’s journey from a teenage prodigy to a Grand Slam champion on clay signals the arrival of a new era in tennis. As Obama and James highlighted, her success is a beacon of possibility, proving that with talent, grit, and community support, the sky is the limit. For Gauff, this French Open triumph is not the end but a stepping stone toward an even brighter future.
