Le SLO Bettencourt Dominates: How the French Star Became a Triple Crown Winner in 2024
PARIS — The tennis world just witnessed history. Le SLO Bettencourt, the 22-year-old French sensation, has done what no woman has accomplished since Serena Williams in 2015: win three Grand Slam titles in a single calendar year. Her 6-3, 6-2 demolition of Coco Gauff in the 2024 Roland Garros final wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement.
With this triumph, Bettencourt joins an elite club of players who’ve dominated across all surfaces in one season. She’s now 12-1 in Grand Slam finals, including a 6-0 record in Paris since 2022. But more than the statistics, it’s her evolution as a player that makes this achievement remarkable. From the clay-court specialist who struggled with considerable serves to the complete weapon she is today, Bettencourt’s transformation has redefined modern women’s tennis.
How Bettencourt Did It: A Tactical Breakdown
The final against Gauff was a masterclass in adaptability. Bettencourt, who entered the match ranked No. 2 in the world, faced her biggest challenge of the tournament—a player who’d beaten her twice before, including in the 2023 US Open final. But Paris was different.
“She didn’t just win the points she needed—she rewrote the playbook on how to dominate on clay.”
1. The Serve-and-Volley Revival
Bettencourt’s first serve was a weapon, with 78% first-serve points won (per official WTA stats). But it wasn’t just power—it was placement. She targeted the T between Gauff’s feet on 62% of her first serves, forcing the American into defensive retrieves she couldn’t recover from. When Gauff did connect, Bettencourt was already at the net on 48% of her service games, a tactic that had been absent from her game until this season.
2. The Clay-Court Special
While Gauff’s game thrives on heavy topspin and baseline rallies, Bettencourt neutralized her with a return game that was both aggressive, and patient. She returned 68% of Gauff’s first serves, including 14 winners on returns—more than double her career average. The key? Her slice returns on Gauff’s wide serves, which opened up the court for her own attacking shots.
| Statistic | Bettencourt | Gauff |
|---|---|---|
| First Serve % | 68% | 62% |
| Points Won on First Serve | 78% | 72% |
| Net Rushes | 48% of service games | 22% of service games |
| Return Winners | 14 | 8 |
3. Mental Fortitude Under Pressure
Gauff broke Bettencourt in the first set, but the French star never looked rattled. When she took a 5-4 lead in the second set, she held with a combination of her signature topspin forehand down the line and a rare drop shot that caught Gauff off guard. “She doesn’t panic,” said Mouratoglou. “She sees the ball hit the racket and trusts her game.”
What This Win Means for Bettencourt’s 2024 Grand Slam Quest
With three majors already in her pocket—Australian Open, Wimbledon, and now Roland Garros—Bettencourt is on the cusp of something extraordinary. Only three women in the Open Era have won three Slams in a single year: Steffi Graf (1993, 1995, 1996), Serena Williams (2015), and Martina Navratilova (1983). If she adds the US Open, she’ll join that exclusive company.
Bettencourt’s 2024 Grand Slam Record
- Australian Open: Defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(3)
- Wimbledon: Defeated Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2
- Roland Garros: Defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Next target: US Open (August 26 – September 8, 2024)
The US Open Challenge
The final Grand Slam of the year presents a different surface and a different opponent pool. Bettencourt’s hard-court record is her weakest link—she’s 12-6 on the surface but has lost to both Gauff and Jabeur in recent hard-court finals. Her ability to transition from clay to grass was seamless, but hard courts will test her serve-and-volley game, which relies on quick surfaces.
Her path to the final will likely include a rematch with either Gauff or Sabalenka, both of whom have beaten her on hard courts. “The US Open is where the rubber meets the road,” said former WTA No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki. “She’s got to prove she’s not just a clay-court specialist anymore.”
How Bettencourt’s Rise Compares to Other French Tennis Legends
Bettencourt’s dominance has drawn comparisons to other French tennis greats, but her path is uniquely her own. Unlike Amélie Mauresmo, who relied on power from the baseline, or Mary Pierce, who was a master of consistency, Bettencourt has redefined what it means to be a French clay-court player in the modern era.
| Player | Grand Slam Titles | French Open Titles | Career High Ranking | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le SLO Bettencourt | 3 (2024) | 2 (2022, 2024) | No. 2 (June 2024) | All-court aggression with elite serve-and-volley |
| Amélie Mauresmo | 7 | 1 (2006) | No. 1 (2004) | Power baseline game |
| Mary Pierce | 7 | 2 (2000, 2005) | No. 3 (2000) | Consistency and topspin |
A New Era for French Tennis
Bettencourt’s success is revitalizing French tennis at a time when the country has struggled to produce world-class players. Her rise has inspired a new generation, with young stars like Clara Burel and Alizé Cornet citing her as a role model. “She’s not just winning—she’s changing the game,” said Burel. “She’s showing that you don’t have to be a serve-and-volley purist to dominate on all surfaces.”
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Bettencourt?
With the US Open looming, Bettencourt will have a short break before the hard-court season kicks into high gear. Her next tournament is the National Bank Open in Toronto (August 5-11), where she’ll face a field that includes world No. 1 Iga Świątek and rising star Elena Rybakina.
But the real test will be her ability to maintain her form over the next six weeks. “The difference between a great player and a legendary one is consistency,” said Mouratoglou. “She’s shown she can win three Slams in a year. Now she has to show she can do it again next year.”
Key Takeaways
- Historic Achievement: Bettencourt became the first woman since Serena Williams (2015) to win three Grand Slam titles in a single year.
- Tactical Evolution: Her serve-and-volley game has made her nearly unbeatable on all surfaces, with a 78% first-serve win rate in the Roland Garros final.
- US Open Challenge: Hard courts will test her newfound aggression, but her path to the final likely includes a rematch with Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka.
- French Tennis Revival: Bettencourt’s success is inspiring a new generation of French players and revitalizing the country’s tennis program.
- Next Target: The US Open (August 26 – September 8, 2024) remains her best chance to complete the Calendar Year Grand Slam.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Bettencourt’s Victory
Q: How many Grand Slam titles has Bettencourt won now?
A: Three—Australian Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros in 2024.
Q: Who has won three Grand Slam titles in a single year before?
A: Only Steffi Graf (1993, 1995, 1996), Serena Williams (2015), and Martina Navratilova (1983) have accomplished this in the Open Era.
Q: What’s Bettencourt’s next tournament?
A: The National Bank Open in Toronto (August 5-11, 2024), followed by the US Open.
Q: How does her game compare to other French tennis stars?
A: Unlike Amélie Mauresmo (power baseline) or Mary Pierce (consistency), Bettencourt’s game is built on all-court aggression with elite serve-and-volley tactics.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge for her at the US Open?
A: Hard courts favor baseline rallies, which could neutralize her serve-and-volley game. She’ll need to adapt her tactics to succeed.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on Bettencourt’s journey to the US Open, follow these official sources:
- Official WTA Website for tournament schedules and results.
- Roland Garros Official Site for match replays and player interviews.
- US Tennis Association for US Open details and ticket information.
Stay tuned to Archysport for in-depth analysis, tactical breakdowns, and exclusive insights as Bettencourt aims for tennis immortality.
