Aryna Sabalenka drew widespread criticism after her comments following the Roland Garros final where she was defeated by Coco Gauff. Despite taking the first set, Sabalenka’s post-match statements sparked controversy due to her remarks about the match conditions and her views on Gauff’s victory. Former world number one Andy Roddick was among those who publicly criticized Sabalenka, and more recently, Greg Rusedski added to the backlash during an episode of the Inside-In podcast.
Rusedski challenged Sabalenka’s excuses regarding poor playing conditions after the final, emphasizing that such complaints are inappropriate in a Grand Slam setting where players face varying conditions throughout the tournament. He stressed that Gauff unquestionably deserved her title and urged Sabalenka to acknowledge the mental strength demonstrated by the new champion.
We had the complaint at the end of the finals from Sabalenka that ’this was the worst conditions I have ever played, this was the worst tennis I have ever played’,
said Rusedski. To me it’s like no, this is a Slam, these are seven matches and every day is going to be different.
It’s not going to be perfect weather. They are not going to put a roof on because it’s windy. So no, Gauff deserves the victory. She deserves to be champion and there’s no excuses.
Maybe you didn’t feel like you played your best tennis but, come on, give Coco more credit because that was just an astonishing performance mentally from Coco to find a way to win that match.
Further Backlash Over Sabalenka’s Comments on Iga Swiatek and Gauff
Sabalenka’s criticism extended beyond the conditions complaint, as she controversially declared during her post-match press conference that Iga Swiatek would have beaten Gauff. This assertion drew additional criticism, with Rusedski commenting that Sabalenka had overstepped the mark in making those remarks.
Rusedski acknowledged Sabalenka’s honesty but suggested that, as English is not her first language, she perhaps did not phrase her thoughts suitably. He advised that there are better ways to convey opinions without appearing dismissive of an opponent’s achievement.
I have stuck my foot in my mouth on multiple occasions in my career so I know how it feels,
continued Rusedski. But I kind of think the comments about Swiatek was a bit much. For me that one was a bit much.
I like the honesty of a player, you have to remember it’s not her Mother tongue, so maybe she doesn’t always put it in the right manner even though her English is exceptional. But there are ways to say the same things without saying them, if that makes sense.
He praised Gauff’s poise and maturity since breaking onto the tour at age 15 with her upset victories, indicating that Sabalenka should have acknowledged those qualities more fully.
She has just gone from strength to strength and the good thing is imagine if we see that in a Wimbledon final again, with those comments!
Upcoming Encounters Between Sabalenka and Gauff on the Grass Court Season
The Roland Garros final marked the 11th match between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, with Gauff holding a narrow 6-5 lead in their head-to-head record. Attention is now turning towards the upcoming grass court season, which will offer the next opportunity for these rising rivals to compete.
Although Sabalenka is often regarded as the favorite on grass heading into Wimbledon, the pair have yet to face each other on this surface. Their first potential grass court meeting could come at the Berlin Open, a competitive WTA 500 event featuring top players like Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Qinwen Zheng, and Mirra Andreeva among the entrants.
Following Berlin, both Sabalenka and Gauff will arrive at Wimbledon as the top two seeds, setting the stage for a possible rematch of the Roland Garros final on one of tennis’s biggest stages.