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Recently crowned French Open Champion Coco Gauff said she was surprised by comments opponent Aryna Sabalenka, who was made after the women’s final, quoting her bad performance for Americans’ victory.
Sabalenka who lost against Gauff in the final in 2023 Us open, Was emotional after her loss on Roland Garros on Saturday and called her performance the “worst tennis” she has been playing for months.
Coco Gauff from the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s single final against ARYNA Sabalenka at Roland Garros Stadium. (Susan Mullane/IMAGN -Pictures)
But Sabalenka couldn’t give the honor to Gauff and said the victory was a result of her bad game.
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“I think I was over -exercise,” Sabalenka said after the match. “I didn’t deal with very well mentally, I would say. So basically it was. I just made unfair mistakes. I think she won the match not because she played incredibly just because I made all these mistakes, like, if you look from the outside, just like from Easy Balls.”
Reaching to these comments during a performance on “Good Morning America,” Gauff explained that both players had to fight for tough conditions during the final. She said she was “surprised” by Sabalenka’s remarks, but she knew the fight was emotional for her opponent.
“Obviously, I know she was probably a bit emotional after that fight, and it was a severe loss. But frankly, when I stepped on the field, I was aware of the wind. We both practiced with the roof closed … But when I found out it was open and saw how windy it was on the field, I knew it would be a ugly victory.
Winner Coco Gauff from the USA, Center Right and Runner-Up ARYNA Sabalenka from Belarus with their trophies after the last match of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
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“I was a little surprised at the comments and all, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional battle.”
Sabalenka released a statement in response to criticism of her comments.
“Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did, and she deserved the victory fully,” said her post on social media. “She was the better player yesterday and I will give her the credit she earned.”
ARYNA Sabalenka from Belarus sits on the bench while waiting for the trophy ceremony after losing the last match for the French Open to Coco Gauff in the United States at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Gauff suggested that there was no bad blood between the two, and called Sabalenka a “fighter” and “tough opponent.”
Coco is 6-5 against Sabalenka. Two of these victories have been Grand Slam titles.
