Djokovic Defends Sabalenka Over Controversial Comments About Gauff
NewsSaturday, 28 June 2025 at 22:55
Novak Djokovic came to Aryna Sabalenka's defense after being asked about her controversial quotes about Coco Gauff.
Tennis players all usually have very good relationships. Of course, like in every workplace, there are some tensions between some players here and there, but mostly, they are all very supportive of each other, knowing the other person has to go through similar ups and downs, fails and successes, as they do.
That's probably one of the reasons why Djokovic understood why Sabalenka said what she said after losing to Gauff in the 2025 Roland Garros final. The Belarusian player was disappointed after the loss, and her comments about the event's champion were quite disrespectful.
Since then, she has already apologized for her comments, and the two even recorded a TikTok dance together, showing that they forgot what happened in the French capital.
From Gauff's side, it was a strong message to her fans, some of whom have been bombarding Sabalenka with comments and messages after she, in their eyes, disrespected their favorite player.
As someone who has a good relationship with Sabalenka and even practiced with her ahead of Wimbledon, Djokovic was asked about the situation as well during his pre-tournament press conference.
The 38-year-old has two decades of experience when it comes to media, so he knew exactly what happened and why Sabalenka said what she said. He understood the Belarusian's situation.
"Look, we all, at the end of the day, are human beings that have difficult emotions at the end of the day that we have to handle right after losing a big match, Grand Slam finals, for example, as she did against Coco. And things happen."
"When you're heightened with emotions and your blood is running hot, it's not always easy to suppress that and put, how can I say it, diplomacy ahead. Even though I feel like it's always important to pay respect and acknowledge the success of your opponent who just beat you."
"I saw what she said and everything, and I think in the end she clarified it. Look, it happens. Maybe it came out in the wrong way, but she didn't mean to disrespect Coco."
Djokovic has stood in many Grand Slam finals, and finals in general, both as a winner and as a loser. Therefore, he has learned how to handle those emotions, becoming better at hiding those negative ones after losses over time.
"I think it's important to always acknowledge everyone involved. Is it easy? Is it really flowing and natural when you're talking about it? No, absolutely not. But, you learn how to, I guess, develop this mechanism and how to kind of put aside and suppress those emotions."
"Because it's more important to pay respect, it's more important to really express the graciousness and gratitude of being a part of the tournament. And then, when you go to the locker room, obviously you have to let the steam off and kind of filter those emotions in whatever shape or form."
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