Coco Gauff became the first American in a decade to win at Roland Garros, and men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz could be part of the reason for the success.
The American defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win Roland Garros at her first attempt in Paris.
It earned Coco Gauff a touching tribute from Lewis Hamilton, and the American tennis star revealed another huge reason for her fantastic form.
The star said Carlos Alcaraz ended up being an inadvertent help to her throughout her Roland Garros campaign.
Coco Gauff used Carlos Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary for inspiration
Ahead of her semi-final Roland Garros clash with Lois Boisson, Gauff revealed how she was trying to emulate Alcaraz in his fun-loving spirit on the court.
“Following Carlos’s documentary, which I haven’t seen but have heard a lot about, I am trying to step out of my tennis bubble a bit and enjoy life,” said Gauff at the Roland Garros press conference.
“I have even confessed to Carlos that I want to try to have fun on the court and smile as much as he does,” added Gauff. “In general, I want to enjoy life a little more.”
The World No. 2 aimed to use Alcaraz’s ‘great philosophy’ in her final matches at Roland Garros, which saw her defeat Boisson and Sabalenka to capture her second Grand Slam tournament.
Gauff secured her status as the second best player on the women’s tour and she credits the men’s Roland Garros champion.
“I think he has a great philosophy, and that’s something I try to take as inspiration,” said Gauff. I don’t think I could ever smile as much on the court as he does.”
Gauff added Roland Garros to the US Open title she won in 2023 and, according to the American, the men’s French Open champion is partly to thank.
Rafael Nadal slammed Carlos Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary
Although Gauff was inspired by Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary, the Spaniard’s idol Rafael Nadal was not such a fan.
The King of Clay found issues with the documentary’s portrayal of Alcaraz, particularly its emphasis on his partying.
“He does not appear as a tennis player who trains but as someone who loves partying and needs that – not very professional,” said Nadal (h/t The Express). “And that’s not true.”
He continued: “Carlos is a great professional; he works very hard to bring his tennis and physique to the highest level.
“I think the documentary shows him in the wrong way because now people’s perception is different from what his real life is.”
Carlos Alcaraz: My Way was released on Netflix in April 2025.