In a dramatic and emotionally charged French Open final on June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff claimed her first Roland Garros title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set battle, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. The victory marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open win over the same opponent, and solidified her place among tennis’s elite at just 21 years old. However, the post-match narrative shifted from Gauff’s triumph to controversy, as Sabalenka’s remarks during her press conference sparked widespread criticism for appearing to diminish the American’s achievement. The Belarusian’s comments, coupled with her visible frustration on court, have ignited a firestorm among fans and pundits, raising questions about sportsmanship and grace in defeat.
The final, played under challenging windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier, was a test of mental fortitude as much as skill. Sabalenka started strongly, racing to a 4-1 lead in the first set with her trademark powerful groundstrokes and deft drop shots. Yet, Gauff’s relentless defense and supreme athleticism turned the tide. Despite Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors—compared to Gauff’s 30—the American’s ability to extend rallies and capitalize on mistakes proved decisive. “It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind because we warmed up with the roof closed,” Gauff said, reflecting on the conditions. “I knew it was just going to be about willpower and mental. It wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done, and that’s all that matters.”
Sabalenka, visibly emotional during the match, struggled to maintain composure, shouting at herself and her team as errors mounted. Her post-match press conference only amplified the tension. Describing the match as “the worst final I have ever played,” she suggested that Gauff’s victory was less about exceptional play and more about her own shortcomings. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka said, attributing her performance to being “overemotional” and struggling with the gusty conditions. Most controversially, she claimed that had she lost to Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, “I think she would have gone out today and gotten the win,” implying Swiatek would have defeated Gauff. She also remarked that Gauff’s shots, often hit off the frame, “somehow magically” landed in, adding, “It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was laughing.”
Gauff responded with poise, rejecting Sabalenka’s assessment. “I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m here sitting here [as the champion],” she said at her press conference, clutching the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. “No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her I won in straight sets. I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.” Gauff highlighted her recent form, noting that Sabalenka, fresh off a Madrid Open title against her, was the favorite. “Her being No. 1 in the world was the best person to play, so I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone,” she added, emphasizing her mental resilience in overcoming a formidable opponent.
The tennis community erupted in response to Sabalenka’s comments, with fans on social media branding them “classless” and “disrespectful.” One fan wrote, “Can you imagine Carlitos or Sinner saying anything like this? This Sabalenka woman is an insult to tennis!” Another called her a “bitter loser,” arguing that Gauff’s defensive prowess forced Sabalenka’s errors. Tennis legend Chris Evert defended Gauff, praising her mental strength and tactical adjustments. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman, commentating for TNT Sports, noted, “Sabalenka really did start off in top gear. She was hitting the ball so aggressively and not making unforced errors. But you’ve got to find a way to get the job done.” Gauff’s victory, celebrated by figures like Barack Obama, underscored her growing influence, with many predicting a new era of dominance.
Sabalenka’s emotional runner-up speech offered a partial olive branch. “Coco, congrats, in the tough conditions you were a better player than me,” she said, tearfully acknowledging Gauff’s fight. Yet, her press conference remarks overshadowed this gesture, drawing comparisons to her 2023 US Open final loss to Gauff, where she jokingly threatened to fire her team. This time, her frustration led to a planned escape to Mykonos for “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming” to “forget about this crazy world.” As Gauff basks in her triumph, joining Serena Williams and Althea Gibson as the third Black woman to win Roland Garros, Sabalenka faces a moment of reflection. Her powerful game and three Grand Slam titles cement her as a force, but the backlash suggests a need for greater humility to match her talent.
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