Aryna Sabalenka released a statement regarding her comments about Coco Gauff after the French Open Final
In the aftermath of a heated French Open final, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has released a public statement clarifying her much-debated comments about champion Coco Gauff. The Belarusian, who lost to Gauff in three sets in a match filled with unforced errors and on-court tension, faced backlash after seemingly downplaying her opponent’s victory by attributing the loss to her own mistakes and even referencing Iga Świątek in a hypothetical scenario.
Speaking to the press after the final, Sabalenka remarked, “If Iga had beaten me in the semis, I think she would have beaten Coco in the final.” Many interpreted the comment as undermining Gauff’s performance and re-centering Świątek in a match she wasn’t part of. Gauff, quick to respond, said, “No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her, I won in straight sets. Anything can really happen.”
The exchange lit up social media, with fans accusing Sabalenka of poor sportsmanship. But within 24 hours, Sabalenka took to Instagram to issue a clarifying statement.
“Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win. She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned,” Sabalenka wrote in her story.
She went on to admit that her own performance was far from ideal, pointing out the staggering number of unforced errors she committed during the final.
“You all know me… I’m always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. I made over 70 unforced errors, so I can’t pretend it was a great day for me.”
Yet the most telling part of her statement came in her acknowledgment that both truths can coexist: she didn’t play her best, and Gauff still rose to the occasion and won with purpose.
“Both things can be true… I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect. Time to rest, learn, and come back stronger.”
Sabalenka’s words struck a more gracious and reflective tone, a notable contrast to her earlier defensiveness. While she didn’t directly reference her Iga Świątek comment, the statement served to refocus attention on Gauff’s win rather than the drama surrounding it.
The episode offers a reminder of the pressures athletes face in the emotional aftermath of high-stakes matches. Sabalenka, known for her candid interviews, seemed to struggle in reconciling a painful loss while still acknowledging her rival’s excellence. Gauff, for her part, remained calm and respectful, reinforcing her growing reputation as both a fierce competitor and a mature presence on tour.
With Wimbledon on the horizon, both players will be eager to move past the Paris drama. Sabalenka’s apology might not erase the tension entirely, but it certainly paves the way for a more respectful narrative moving forward. And for fans, it’s clear: Coco earned every bit of her title, and even her rivals are beginning to give her the recognition she deserves.
