In the aftermath of a dramatic 2025 French Open final on June 7, Aryna Sabalenka found herself at the center of controversy following her candid remarks about Coco Gauff’s hard-fought victory. The world No. 1, defeated 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 by Gauff in a windy three-set battle at Roland Garros, initially downplayed the American’s performance, sparking a firestorm of debate. Days later, Sabalenka expressed deep regret, admitting, “I just completely lost it,” as she reflected on her emotional outburst. The episode, which unfolded on the clay courts of Paris, has since been resolved, showcasing the resilience and mutual respect between two of tennis’s brightest stars.
The final itself was a spectacle, with 21-year-old Gauff, ranked No. 2, overcoming Sabalenka’s powerful game to claim her second Grand Slam title and first on clay. The match, played under challenging conditions with the roof open at Court Philippe-Chatrier, tested both players’ adaptability. Gauff’s defensive mastery forced Sabalenka into 70 unforced errors, including 39 from her backhand, compared to Gauff’s 30. “When I stepped on the court, I was aware of the wind,” Gauff later shared in a television interview. “We both practiced with the roof closed, so I knew it was going to be an ugly win.” Her mental fortitude shone through, as she noted, “It came down to willpower and mental,” securing the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen in a match that captivated fans worldwide.
Sabalenka, however, struggled to process the loss. In her post-match press conference, she attributed her defeat to her own errors rather than Gauff’s skill, stating, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.” She went further, suggesting that had Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, reached the final, the Pole would have beaten Gauff. These comments, which Sabalenka later called “unprofessional,” drew sharp criticism from fans, who flooded social media with reactions. Some labeled her remarks “childish,” while others defended Gauff’s strategic play, crediting her for inducing Sabalenka’s errors.
Gauff, known for her composure, responded with grace. “I was a little bit surprised about the comments and everything, but I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt,” she said on a morning talk show on June 9. “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match, and it was a tough loss.” Acknowledging the windy conditions, Gauff added, “I had to force her to play that way and make a lot of balls,” emphasizing her tactical approach. Her empathetic response quelled some of the tension, but Sabalenka knew she needed to make amends.
The following day, Sabalenka took to social media to clarify her stance. “Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” she posted. “She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned.” At the Berlin Open, Sabalenka went further, telling reporters, “That was just completely unprofessional of me. I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then.” She revealed she had reached out to Gauff privately, saying, “I wanted to make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament.” Her apology underscored her respect for Gauff, with whom she shares a friendly rivalry.
The reconciliation reached a heartwarming peak at Wimbledon, where the two top seeds filmed a playful TikTok dance together on Centre Court ahead of the tournament, which began June 30. Gauff confirmed the resolution, stating, “She did apologize privately, and again when I saw her before practice. Aryna and I, I feel that we got along pretty well before that. It wasn’t really hard to accept that apology.” She added, “I preach love, I preach light,” signaling her desire to move forward. The gesture highlighted their ability to put the controversy behind them, much to the delight of fans eagerly anticipating a potential Wimbledon rematch.
As Sabalenka prepares for Wimbledon, where she aims to reclaim the title she won in 2023, her reflection on the French Open saga shows growth. “I just completely lost it,” she admitted, acknowledging the pressure of the moment. Gauff, now a two-time Grand Slam champion, continues her ascent, with her Paris triumph solidifying her as a force on all surfaces. The tennis world watches with bated breath as these two powerhouses, now reconciled, gear up for the grass courts, where their rivalry—and newfound camaraderie—promises more electrifying moments.
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