The tension between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka following the French Open final has been resolved in a lighthearted manner. After Sabalenka’s defeat three weeks ago, the two embraced reconciliation with a viral TikTok dance on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, signaling an end to their recent rift.
Acknowledging Post-Match Comments and Apology
Shortly after Gauff’s victory in the French Open final, Sabalenka made comments that stirred controversy by suggesting that Gauff had won mainly because of her own mistakes. Sabalenka said,
“won the match not because she played incredible; just because I made all of those mistakes from … easy balls.”
However, Sabalenka later admitted her remarks were inappropriate and sent Gauff an apology. She reflected,
“That was just completely unprofessional of me. I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life. I think we all have those days when we lose control. But what I also want to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward — not immediately, but recently.”
Reconciliation Through TikTok at Wimbledon
The two players used a playful TikTok video filmed on Wimbledon’s Centre Court to publicly show their reconciliation. Sabalenka shared the clip with the caption,
“TikTok dances always had a way of bringing people together,”
while Gauff added,
“The olive branch was extended and accepted! We’re good so you guys should be too.”
The video also featured a trending audio clip stating,
“OK, guys, we’re back. Did you miss us? ’Cause we missed you.”
Preparing for the Upcoming Grand Slam with Renewed Camaraderie
Following their renewed friendship, world No. 1 Sabalenka and No. 2 Gauff participated in a joint practice session on Centre Court as they prepared for the year’s third Grand Slam, starting Monday. Their cooperation and public display of goodwill highlight a positive shift as both focus on their performances ahead.
This resolution demonstrates that off-court tensions between elite players can be mended through openness and humor, potentially easing rivalries and stressing sportsmanship as tennis moves forward in the new season.