In the aftermath of a gripping 2025 French Open final, where Coco Gauff outlasted Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first Roland Garros title, the tennis world is buzzing—not just with celebration of Gauff’s triumph, but with heated debate over Sabalenka’s post-match remarks. The world No. 1’s comments, which appeared to downplay Gauff’s victory, have drawn sharp criticism, including a scathing rebuke from former doubles world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs, who called Sabalenka’s behavior “so bad.” The controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of pure celebration for Gauff, the first American to win the French Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2015. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka said in her press conference, igniting a firestorm of backlash.
The final itself was a showcase of resilience, with Gauff battling back from a set down to defeat Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a match marked by windy conditions and high tension. Gauff’s poise shone through, as she capitalized on Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors—39 from her backhand—to secure her second Grand Slam title. On court, Sabalenka offered a tearful acknowledgment, saying, “Coco, congrats, in the tough conditions you were a better player than me.” Yet, her press conference took a different tone. Sabalenka attributed her loss to “terrible conditions” and her own emotional unraveling, claiming, “It was the worst final I’ve ever played.” She even suggested that had Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, reached the final, “she would go out today and she would get the win.” These remarks, perceived as dismissive of Gauff’s skill, sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike.
Rennae Stubbs, a respected voice in tennis, didn’t hold back, slamming Sabalenka’s comments as unsportsmanlike. Her criticism echoed sentiments across social media, where fans labeled Sabalenka’s remarks “disrespectful” and “classless.” One fan tweeted, “Coco knows this woman doesn’t respect her,” while another pointed out Gauff’s recent 6-1, 6-1 clay-court win over Swiatek, undermining Sabalenka’s hypothetical. Even Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., weighed in, urging Sabalenka to “course correct” and adopt a “winning mentality.” The backlash highlighted a perceived double standard, with some noting that Gauff’s composure under pressure contrasted sharply with Sabalenka’s emotional outbursts, including throwing a ball toward a ball girl and spiking it in frustration during the match.
Gauff, ever gracious, responded with maturity. “I don’t agree with that,” she said of Sabalenka’s claim that Swiatek would have won. “No shade to Iga, but last time I played her, I won in straight sets. I think [Sabalenka] was the best person I could have played in the final.” On “Good Morning America,” Gauff gave Sabalenka the benefit of the doubt, noting, “I’m sure it’s just an emotional day, an emotional match.” Her focus remained on her historic achievement, becoming the third Black woman to win Roland Garros, joining Williams and Althea Gibson. “I worked so hard for this moment, and for it to have happened is insane,” Gauff posted on Instagram, inspiring fans with her resilience after losing the 2022 French Open final at 18.
Sabalenka, facing mounting criticism, issued a statement on Instagram Stories the next day, attempting to clarify her remarks. “Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” she wrote. “Both things can be true… I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.” However, some, like therapist Racine R. Henry, argued the apology lacked genuine remorse, calling it “self-centered” and noting Sabalenka’s focus on her own errors over Gauff’s athleticism.
The episode underscores the intense rivalry between Gauff and Sabalenka, who are now 6-5 in Gauff’s favor, with both of their Grand Slam final meetings—2023 US Open and 2025 French Open—going the American’s way. As Sabalenka heads to Mykonos for a break, vowing “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming,” and Gauff prepares for Wimbledon, the tennis world watches closely. Will Sabalenka learn from this moment, as she promised, or will her candid, emotional style continue to stir controversy? For now, Gauff’s triumph and grace stand tall, a beacon of hope for a new generation of tennis stars.
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