Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka crossed paths again shortly before Wimbledon, following their recent intense showdown at the French Open final. The two WTA competitors took part in a practice match on London’s Centre Court just days before the Wimbledon main draw began. Earlier in the month, Gauff overcame Sabalenka in a tightly contested French Open final, winning 6-7(5-7), 6-2, 6-4.
This victory marked Gauff’s second Grand Slam triumph after her 2023 US Open title won on home soil. Sabalenka had openly admitted to feeling too emotional during the Roland Garros final and also suggested that Iga Swiatek would have defeated Gauff had the final been between them instead.
Gauff’s Reaction to Sabalenka’s Comments After the French Open
When questioned about Sabalenka’s remarks at her Wimbledon opening press conference, Coco Gauff provided a calm and understanding response regarding the tense exchange. She acknowledged the critique that Sabalenka faced but stressed her empathy for her rival’s feelings at the time. Gauff said that the match was played under difficult conditions and that she herself was not performing at her best, which helped her grasp Sabalenka’s perspective.
Gauff admitted being surprised by some of the things Sabalenka said during the post-match press conference but emphasized she does not hold grudges. Discussing conversations she had with her inner circle, Gauff mentioned she would be willing to move on if Sabalenka made a private apology, which eventually happened, helping them resolve the situation.
She further explained,
“And, yeah, I understand things weren’t, I guess, translated as how she meant it to be, and she understood that, and I understood that’s not what she meant.”
—Coco Gauff
Gauff described the apology as easy to accept because their relationship prior to the incident had been cordial, framing the matter as “water under the bridge.”
How Gauff and Sabalenka Showed Their Good Relationship Before Wimbledon
Reflecting on the difficult playing conditions during the French Open, where wind affected both players, Gauff demonstrated maturity in handling the aftermath of Sabalenka’s controversial comments. Beyond accepting the apology, the two recently shared friendly moments, including dancing together in videos posted on social media during their Wimbledon practice session. This gesture signaled reconciliation and goodwill between the rivals.
Sabalenka highlighted the unifying power of such social media moments, writing,
“TikTok dances always had a way of bringing people together.”
—Aryna Sabalenka
In her Wimbledon press conference, Gauff elaborated on the dance clip, explaining that they had previously made TikTok videos during events like the WTA Finals. She said the recent video was mainly to demonstrate publicly that their relationship was amicable despite past tensions.
Gauff stated,
“And so I thought it would be a good idea for that just so people can really see it and kind of move on, because I think we’re both tired of talking about it, to be honest.”
—Coco Gauff
Her comments conveyed a clear message against harboring negativity and an openness to leave the controversy behind as they focus on their careers.
The Significance of the Rivalry Moving Forward at Wimbledon
The renewed connection between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka comes at a critical moment with Wimbledon on the horizon. Both players are viewed as top contenders, and their ability to maintain sportsmanship amidst competitive tension is crucial for the WTA tour’s atmosphere. Gauff’s poised response to Sabalenka’s earlier French Open remarks and their joint Instagram moments suggest a mature and professional future engagement on court.
This development could ease fan tensions and allow both athletes to concentrate on their performances during the grass-court Grand Slam. How their rivalry will unfold this year remains to be seen, but the mutual respect displayed off court may set the tone for their encounters in the weeks ahead.