On the eve of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the hallowed grass of Centre Court became an unexpected stage for reconciliation as top seeds Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka put aside past tensions with a viral TikTok dance routine. The heartwarming display, set to the infectious beats of C+C Music Factory’s 1990 hit “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now),” signaled that any bad blood from their dramatic French Open final in June had been firmly laid to rest. The duo’s synchronized moves and infectious laughter captivated fans, proving that their rivalry is matched by a deep mutual respect.
The backdrop to this feel-good moment was a contentious French Open final on June 7, where 21-year-old American Gauff, ranked No. 2, outlasted world No. 1 Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 battle. Sabalenka, a 27-year-old Belarusian with three Grand Slam titles, struggled with 70 unforced errors and later sparked controversy by suggesting Gauff’s victory was due to her own mistakes rather than exceptional play. “Not because she played incredible, [but] because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka said post-match, labeling her performance “just a joke.” The comments drew sharp criticism, particularly in the U.S., for downplaying Gauff’s resilience and strategic brilliance under Paris’s gusty conditions.
Gauff, however, took the high road. “The way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favourite to win,” she said, acknowledging the competitive stakes. “I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone.” Sabalenka later recognized her remarks as “unprofessional,” admitting, “I was just completely upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it.” She reached out to Gauff with a written apology, which the American graciously accepted. “I’m not the person that will fuel hate in the world,” Gauff declared, emphasizing her philosophy of “preaching love, preaching light” and a “Hakuna Matata” approach to life.
Their reconciliation culminated in a joyful moment during a practice session on June 27 at Wimbledon’s Centre Court. After hitting together, the pair broke into a choreographed dance, with Sabalenka captioning the Instagram post, “TikTok dances always had a way of bringing people together.” Gauff, a frequent TikTok user, shared a clip outside the All England Club’s main stadium, lip-syncing to a track with the words, “OK, guys, we’re back. Did you miss us? ’Cause we missed you.” She added, “The olive branch was extended and accepted! We’re good so you guys should be too,” quashing any lingering speculation of a feud. The videos, posted across social media, went viral, with fans and players alike celebrating their camaraderie. “I’m happy to see that they turned the page about it,” said Frances Tiafoe, the 12th seed in the men’s draw. “They’re the best players in the world. So those relationships you kind of need.”
The dance wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it reflected the genuine bond between two of tennis’s brightest stars, who share a competitive history with Gauff leading their head-to-head 6-5, including wins in the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open finals. As the top two seeds at Wimbledon, they’re on opposite sides of the draw, meaning a rematch is possible only in the July 12 final. Sabalenka, eyeing her first Wimbledon crown, hinted at a celebratory plan: “If I win the title, of course I’m going to do the dance. But it would be more like a TikTok dance — we’re going to create a new tradition!” Her playful ambition was tempered by a lighthearted jab: “I don’t know, maybe I don’t want to see Coco if I make it to the finals. But if she’s there, I’m happy because I want to get the revenge!”
Both players launched their Wimbledon campaigns with confidence. Sabalenka dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5 on Court 1, while Gauff, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year, faced Dayana Yastremska on July 1. Their off-court chemistry, evident in their shared laughter and synchronized moves, has added a fresh layer to their rivalry, which is fueling excitement in women’s tennis alongside stars like Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys. The sport is also embracing modernity, with Wimbledon’s 2025 edition marking the first without human line judges, relying fully on automated line-calling technology.
Sabalenka’s growth was evident in her reflections. “I did what I did. I get what I deserve, I believe,” she said, acknowledging the media fallout as a learning experience. Her recent chats with seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, whom she called “the best,” provided perspective on managing emotions. For Gauff, the focus remains on positivity: “I know Aryna. We got along pretty well anyways before all that happened.” Their Centre Court dance, a blend of athleticism and joy, not only buried the French Open hatchet but also set the tone for a tournament where fierce competition and heartfelt camaraderie can coexist.
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