Aryna Sabalenka, currently the world No. 1 tennis player, has faced significant backlash after making controversial remarks about Coco Gauff’s win in the French Open final. Sabalenka suggested that if Iga Swiatek had advanced to the final, she would have defeated Gauff instead, downplaying the young American’s achievement and sparking widespread criticism across the tennis community.

Responses from Players and Public Highlight Growing Tensions

After the incident, Sabalenka posted an apology on social media, but it failed to ease the criticism. Former tennis player Rennae Stubbs condemned Sabalenka’s comments, calling them “so bad” and questioning her attitude towards sportsmanship. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff responded directly by defending her performance and rejecting the claim that Swiatek would have been a more difficult opponent. Gauff stated that Sabalenka, as the top-ranked player, was the toughest challenge she could have faced in the final.

Public figures outside tennis also joined the conversation, with Ubah Hassan, known from The Real Housewives of New York, strongly condemning Sabalenka’s behavior, adding to the mounting backlash.

What This Means for the Players and the Tennis Community

This dispute between Sabalenka and Gauff highlights tensions within the sport after a high-profile final. Gauff’s confident response brings attention to her growing stature in tennis, while Sabalenka’s controversial remarks have raised concerns about respect and professionalism among top athletes. The incident may affect Sabalenka’s standing among peers and fans as the tennis world watches closely for further developments in this ongoing controversy.