Aryna Sabalenka has publicly apologized to Coco Gauff following controversial comments made after the French Open final, where she initially suggested that Gauff’s win resulted from her own errors. The top-seeded Belarusian player reversed her stance and recognized Gauff’s deserving French Open victory acknowledgment after the intense match held in Paris.
Coco Gauff secured a remarkable comeback in the final by defeating Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, earning her first Grand Slam title. Sabalenka’s original post-match remarks, which attributed Gauff’s win primarily to Sabalenka’s mistakes, drew significant criticism for their perceived disrespect toward Gauff’s performance.
Sabalenka’s Public Reconciliation and Praise for Gauff
In a notable change of tone, Sabalenka used her Instagram Story to express regret and commend Gauff’s gameplay. She stated,
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.
—Aryna Sabalenka, Professional Tennis Player
This admission came after Sabalenka had previously claimed that Iga Swiatek might have emerged victorious had she played the final against Gauff. Sabalenka underlined the importance of humility and honesty in the face of defeat, acknowledging that Gauff outperformed her throughout the match.
Sabalenka’s Plans Following the French Open and Focus on Upcoming Tournaments
During a recent press conference, Sabalenka hinted at plans to take a break for relaxation in Mykonos, where she intends to enjoy some sweets and alcoholic beverages, signaling a pause from her rigorous training routine. Nevertheless, her attention is already shifting toward the upcoming grass season, with the WTA 500 tournament in Berlin set to begin on June 16.
The Tennis Community Reacts to Sabalenka’s Change of Heart
Sabalenka’s surprising turnaround has sparked a heated debate among tennis fans and experts alike, with varied opinions about the authenticity of her apology. Many acknowledge her sincerity, while others remain skeptical. As discussions continue, the focus is now on how Sabalenka will move forward following this episode and how she will prepare for future competitions.