Sabalenka Issues Statement After Backlash Over Disrespectful Comments About Gauff
NewsSunday, 08 June 2025 at 23:29
Aryna Sabalenka issued a statement after facing backlash following her comments about Coco Gauff after their Roland Garros final.
Sabalenka played her sixth career Grand Slam final, and she recorded her third loss. After losing the 2023 US Open final to Coco Gauff, the Belarusian also lost this year's Australian Open final to Madison Keys, and now another final to Gauff, this time at Roland Garros.
It was an emotional match for Sabalenka, and that was obvious for everyone watching at the Court Philippe Chatrier, but also to all the fans watching from home. That's how strong the Belarusian's emotions were.
While Gauff tried to stay calm and collected, Sabalenka, as usually, displayed all of her emotions. The WTA World No. 1 is one of the most beloved players on the Tour, and that's one of the reasons for it, since she never hides anything.
During the match, Sabalenka showed when she was happy, celebrating some points heavily. She also showed when she was frustrated, shouting towards her team and often venting her frustration in different ways. And Sabalenka also showed when she was sad, struggling to hold back her tears during the trophy ceremony.
After the match, the three-time Grand Slam champion showed another emotion, and while all of the emotions she showed on the court were appreciated by most of the tennis fans, this one wasn't.
Sabalenka didn't show a lot of respect to her final opponent. She stated that Iga Swiatek would have bested Gauff in the final, and she also said that Gauff didn't win because of her impressive performance, but because of Sabalenka's own mistakes.
Many tennis fans found Sabalenka's comments disrespectful, quickly sharing their opinions online. The two-time Australian Open champion, or someone from her team, likely noticed the comments, which is why she issued a statement the day after the final.
Sabalenka wanted to explain her position, saying that she is a player who wears emotions on her sleeve. Some of those emotions overcame her during her press conference, which is why she made some of those comments. That's what she tried explaining in her statement.
"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."
"You all know me... I'm always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. I made over 70 unforced errors, so I can't pretend it was a great day for me."
Righting her previous wrongs, Sabalenka gave the credit to Gauff. She showed respect for the American's game, which led her to a second Grand Slam title.
"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. Time to rest, learn, and come back stronger."
Like she hinted during her press conference, Sabalenka will now recharge her batteries on a short vacation on the Greek island Mykonos.
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