Coco Gauff’s first greeting after winning the French Open final on Saturday did not come from a member of her family or her team. Instead, it came from Spike Lee.
Lee was in the crowd at Roland Garros for Saturday’s final between Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, and was openly pulling for Gauff throughout. Naturally, he had a front row seat.
Spike Lee is ready for the final to start ✌️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/f9ONKEybF3
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025
Gauff was able to rally from a first set defeat to win her first French Open, beating Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. The very first person in the stands to congratulate her was Lee in the front row, who gave her a big hug.
Coco x Spike Lee#RolandGarros #RG25 pic.twitter.com/TIQgFpkpLS
— Pape: Champion of Europe (@melvinwpeters) June 7, 2025
Lee is known for his appearances at New York sporting events, particularly Knicks and Yankees game. He seems to have bounced back very quickly from the Knicks’ loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As for Gauff, this is her second major title and her first at Roland Garros. She is clearly developing a very devoted fanbase that includes some famous faces. One has to wonder whether the motivational tactics that helped her to her first major played a role here again.
