Stephen A. Smith’s commentary on Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open 2025 victory stirred controversy among fans. After falling behind in the first two sets, Gauff mounted a comeback in the final set to secure her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, defeating Sabalenka, who was the World No. 1 at the time.
This victory followed Gauff’s first major breakthrough at the 2023 US Open, where she defeated Sabalenka in three sets, becoming the first American teenager to win a Grand Slam since Serena Williams in 1999. Gauff’s repeated success against Sabalenka at a major highlighted her rising stature in the sport.
Sabalenka’s Post-Match Comments and Stephen A. Smith’s Response
After Gauff’s latest triumph, Sabalenka’s dismissive remarks about her opponent prompted discussion. Known for her composed replies, Gauff generally declined to escalate tensions. Still, Stephen A. Smith took issue with Sabalenka’s attitude during an ESPN interview, accusing her of being a “sore loser.”
“This ain’t the first time you beat her. You beat her in 2023, you beat her again this time around. Aryna Sabalenka, that’s her name. I’m bringing her up because even though she was the No.1 player in the world, I don’t think she should be that way now, not after this loss; it should be you. But I’m asking, what is her problem? I mean, somebody got to ask this question. She came across as a very sore loser.”
—Stephen A. Smith, Sports Journalist and Commentator
Smith’s remarks provoked backlash from many on social media platform X, where fans criticized his tone and questioned the necessity of his involvement in the dispute.
Fan Reactions to Stephen A. Smith’s Comments on the Rivalry
Numerous viewers expressed their opinions regarding Smith’s harsh judgment of Sabalenka. One fan suggested that it was tiring to repeatedly question Gauff about Sabalenka.
“Even Coco must be tired of that question by now”
—X User
Another admired Smith’s stance, agreeing that Gauff deserved to be ranked No. 1 based on her performances.
However, some users accused Smith of attempting to provoke Gauff into speaking negatively about Sabalenka.
“I didn’t like how he was trying to get her to say something nasty. The joke is on him tho bc she defended Aryna in this interview and told ppl to cut her some slack”
—X User
Other reactions included calls for Smith to cease his interference in tennis discussions.
“Stephen A. just want to bring more drama outta this,” a fan tweeted.
‘Steven A Smith. On behalf of every tennis fan. Please stop getting involved in our sport,” a fan commented.
Coco Gauff Appeals for Understanding Toward Aryna Sabalenka
Throughout the controversy, Coco Gauff maintained a measured approach. Addressing the ongoing questions about Sabalenka’s comments in a separate ESPN interview, she urged empathy and cautioned against harsh judgment.
“The comments after the match. Those comments, I was a little bit surprised by them, but at the end of the day, what happened happened. I won because I earned that win, and we both had to play in the wind. We both had to deal with those conditions. I did not feel great on the court at all. I went down 4-1 and thought I was playing the worst tennis of the tournament, but the difference was that I was able to recognise that and find a different way to win that match.”
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
“But she was probably emotional about it, so I am not going to take it with too much anything. And I do hope that people give her a little bit of slack, too.”
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
Gauff’s win at Roland Garros marked the first Grand Slam victory by an American at the French Open since Serena Williams took the title in 2015, emphasizing the significance of her achievement for American tennis.
Impact and Future Outlook of the Gauff-Sabalenka Rivalry
Coco Gauff’s French Open 2025 victory and the controversy surrounding Sabalenka’s response underline the intense competition at the sport’s highest level. Gauff’s resilience in overcoming early setbacks in the final sets exemplifies her growth as a top contender. Meanwhile, the debate sparked by Stephen A. Smith’s remarks reveals how emotional responses in professional tennis continue to attract public and media scrutiny.
As Gauff rises toward the world’s top rankings, her interactions with Sabalenka will likely remain a focal point for both fans and analysts. The calls for respect and emotional understanding by Gauff suggest an attempt to keep the rivalry professional despite media drama. Moving forward, this dynamic will contribute to the evolving narrative of women’s tennis at Grand Slam tournaments.