In the aftermath of a gripping 2025 French Open final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka found herself at the center of a heated controversy following her comments about American star Coco Gauff, who clinched her second Grand Slam title in a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory on June 7, 2025. The Belarusian’s post-match press conference remarks, where she attributed her loss to her own errors rather than Gauff’s skill, sparked a fierce backlash from fans and pundits alike, with some questioning the impact on her lucrative sponsorship deals. Days later, Sabalenka issued a heartfelt apology, revealing she personally reached out to Gauff to make amends, but the tennis world remains divided over her initial reaction.
The final at Roland Garros was a clash of titans, with Gauff, 21, overcoming a first-set deficit to claim her first French Open crown, becoming the first American woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2015. Sabalenka, who had been in scintillating form, winning three titles in 2025, struggled with 70 unforced errors, including 39 backhand miscues, and was broken nine times. In her press conference, she described the match as “the worst tennis I’ve played in months,” adding, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.” She further stirred the pot by suggesting that if Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, had reached the final, Swiatek would have beaten Gauff. “If Iga had beaten me the other day, I think she’d come out today and get the win,” Sabalenka said, her voice heavy with frustration. “It just hurts.”
Gauff, gracious in victory, pushed back during her own press conference. “I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m here sitting here [as the champion],” she said, noting her recent 6-1, 6-1 rout of Swiatek in Madrid. “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’s measured response earned praise, but her fans were less forgiving. Social media erupted with criticism, with one Instagram user speculating, “I wonder how many sponsorship deals she lost because of this behavior.” Another fan called Sabalenka’s apology a “PR” move, stating, “This is not an apology. This is her PR agent said – we have to fix the narrative, so let’s spin the block with a ‘sincere apology.’ Your character showed.”
Facing mounting criticism, Sabalenka took to Instagram Stories on June 8, writing, “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.” She acknowledged her 70 unforced errors, adding, “You all know me… I’m always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. But 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.” Ten days later, speaking to Eurosport Germany, Sabalenka revealed she had written to Gauff to apologize, admitting her comments were “completely unprofessional.” “I let my emotions get the better of me,” she said. “I absolutely regret what I said back then. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life.”
The backlash wasn’t just from fans. Tennis legends like Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach, called Sabalenka’s remarks “so bad,” while therapist Racine R. Henry labeled them “self-centered” and “disrespectful of [Gauff’s] achievements.” However, some, like Jimmy Connors, defended her, arguing players need time to process losses before facing the press. Gauff herself showed empathy, telling ESPN, “I’m not going to take it with too much anything. And I do hope that people give her a little bit of slack, too.” The incident has spotlighted the intense scrutiny athletes face, particularly Black female players like Gauff, who navigate additional layers of criticism, as Henry noted.
As Sabalenka prepares for the grass season at the Berlin Open, where she faces Rebeka Masarova, and eyes a first Wimbledon title, the controversy lingers. Her rivalry with Gauff, now 6-5 in Gauff’s favor, promises more electrifying battles. While Sabalenka’s apology has won over some fans, who praised her for “genuinely reflecting,” others remain skeptical, viewing it as damage control. With the tennis world watching, Sabalenka’s journey of growth continues, both on and off the court.
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