Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has publicly chastised herself for comments made in the heat of defeat following her loss to Coco Gauff in the 2025 French Open final. The gripping match, which saw Gauff claim her second Grand Slam title on June 7, 2025, with a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory, was overshadowed by Sabalenka’s post-match remarks that appeared to downplay Gauff’s performance. As the tennis world pivots to the grass-court season, Sabalenka’s candid self-reflection, shared during an interview in Berlin ahead of the 2025 Berlin Open, reveals a player grappling with her emotions and striving for growth, setting the stage for a compelling redemption arc at Wimbledon.
The Roland Garros final was a test of endurance under challenging conditions, with gusty winds and an open roof complicating play on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Sabalenka, who captured the first set in a tiebreaker, faltered with 70 unforced errors—39 from her backhand—compared to Gauff’s 30, as her serve crumbled in critical moments. In the post-match press conference, the Belarusian’s frustration boiled over. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka said, adding that she believed Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, would have beaten Gauff in the final. Her on-court behavior, including angrily tossing a ball toward a ball girl, further fueled criticism, with fans and pundits accusing her of lacking sportsmanship in the face of Gauff’s tactical brilliance.
Gauff, the 21-year-old American, responded with grace, acknowledging the emotional weight of the match during an appearance on *Good Morning America*. “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match, and it was a tough loss,” Gauff said, emphasizing her strategy of forcing Sabalenka into errors with defensive play and forehand slices. “I had to force her to play that way and make a lot of balls and put those balls in the court,” she added, highlighting her role in dictating the match’s outcome. Gauff’s composure stood in stark contrast to Sabalenka’s raw post-match remarks, amplifying the controversy surrounding the world No. 1’s words.
In Berlin, Sabalenka bared her soul, admitting her comments were a mistake driven by disappointment. “That was just completely unprofessional of me,” she told Eurosport Germany on June 16, 2025. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life.” She revealed she had recently reached out to Gauff to apologize, clarifying, “I never intended to attack her. I wanted to make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her.” Sabalenka’s Instagram post the day after the final had already hinted at contrition: “Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win. She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned.”
The three-time Grand Slam champion, who also fell to Gauff in the 2023 US Open final, used the experience as a lens for self-examination. “I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference,” she admitted. “I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals? I kept getting so emotional. So it was a tough but very instructive lesson for me.” Sabalenka emphasized her commitment to respecting opponents, a value she credits for her success. “I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect—whether I win or lose,” she said. “Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
As Wimbledon looms, where Sabalenka is favored to leverage her powerful game on grass, her rivalry with Gauff—now 6-5 in Gauff’s favor—adds intrigue. The Belarusian’s introspection suggests she’s channeling her regret into motivation, aiming to reclaim her dominance after a season that saw her defend her Australian Open title and reach the Indian Wells final. Meanwhile, Gauff, fresh off her Paris triumph, continues to evolve as a formidable defender and tactician. Sabalenka’s apology closes a contentious chapter, but the tennis world eagerly awaits their next encounter, where mutual respect and fierce competition promise to ignite the courts once more.
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