In the aftermath of a gripping French Open final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has issued a heartfelt apology to Coco Gauff for remarks that sparked controversy and overshadowed the American’s triumphant second Grand Slam victory. The dramatic clash on June 7, 2025, at Roland Garros saw Gauff, 21, rally from a set down to defeat Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, claiming her first French Open title and solidifying her status as a rising tennis titan. However, Sabalenka’s post-match comments, which attributed the loss to her own errors rather than Gauff’s brilliance, drew sharp criticism for their lack of grace. Now, as the tennis world shifts to the grass courts of the Berlin Open, Sabalenka’s contrition offers a chance to mend fences and refocus on the sport’s competitive spirit ahead of Wimbledon.
The final in Paris was a rollercoaster, marked by challenging windy conditions and a fierce battle of skill and resilience. Sabalenka, who won the first set in a tiebreaker, struggled with 70 unforced errors—39 from her backhand—compared to Gauff’s 30, as her serve faltered under pressure. In the heat of the moment, the Belarusian told reporters, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” calling it “the worst final I’ve ever played.” She also suggested that had Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, faced Gauff, Swiatek would have prevailed. These remarks, coupled with visible frustration on court—such as angrily tossing the ball toward a ball girl—ignited a firestorm of backlash for diminishing Gauff’s hard-fought victory.
Gauff, ever composed, responded with class on *Good Morning America*, expressing surprise at Sabalenka’s comments but extending empathy. “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match, and it was a tough loss,” Gauff said, noting the tricky conditions both players faced with the open roof and gusty winds. “I had to force her to play that way and make a lot of balls and put those balls in the court,” she added, crediting her defensive prowess for pushing Sabalenka into errors. Gauff’s strategic use of forehand slices, which often caught Sabalenka off guard, underscored her tactical edge, proving her win was no fluke but a testament to her skill as one of the tour’s best defenders.
Reflecting on her words, Sabalenka took to Instagram the day after the final to clarify her stance. “Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” she wrote. “She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned.” But it was her recent interview with Eurosport Germany, ahead of the Berlin Open on June 17, 2025, that revealed the depth of her regret. “That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka admitted. “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 disclosed that she wrote to Gauff—not immediately, but recently—to apologize, emphasizing, “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 introspection didn’t end there. The three-time Grand Slam champion, who also lost to Gauff in the 2023 US Open final, reflected on her emotional struggles in high-stakes matches. “I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference,” she said. “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.” Her apology underscores a commitment to growth, acknowledging that respect for opponents has been a cornerstone of her success. “I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect—whether I win or lose,” she added. “Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
As the tennis world gears up for Wimbledon, where Sabalenka is a top seed and could face Gauff again, this episode highlights the pressures of elite competition and the humanity behind the racquet. Gauff, now 6-5 in her head-to-head against Sabalenka, remains a formidable rival, her poise and defensive mastery a constant challenge. Sabalenka’s apology, while closing a contentious chapter, sets the stage for a compelling grass-court season, where both players will vie to prove themselves under the sport’s brightest spotlight.
Leave a Reply