Aryna Sabalenka mentioned she apologized to Coco Gauff for making “unprofessional” feedback following her loss in the French Open final at Roland Garros earlier this month. The world No. 1 advised after the match that her 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 defeat was extra about her personal errors than Gauff’s play.
“That was simply utterly unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka mentioned at Eurosport Germany. “I let my feelings get the higher of me. I completely remorse what I mentioned again then. , all of us make errors. I am only a human being who’s nonetheless studying in life. I believe all of us have these days once we lose management. However what I additionally need to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward — not instantly, however just lately.”
Sabalenka had received three of the final eight Grand Slams and had been probably the most profitable singles participant on the ladies’s circuit in 2025 previous to the loss to Gauff, who improved to 6-5 all-time towards Sabalenka.
Sabalenka mentioned she took time after the French Open ultimate to mirror on how her post-match feedback got here throughout and finally determined to achieve out to Gauff to make issues proper. The Belarusian star defined that she wished to be clear her remarks weren’t meant to decrease Gauff’s accomplishment or recommend she did not earn the title.
“I by no means supposed to assault her,” Sabalenka mentioned. “I used to be tremendous emotional and never very sensible at that press convention. I am not essentially grateful for what I did. It took me some time to return and give it some thought, to strategy it with open eyes, and to grasp. I noticed so much about myself. Why did I lose so many finals?”
Sabalenka admitted the second received the higher of her — each by way of her efficiency on courtroom and her composure afterward. She had 70 unforced errors in comparison with simply 30 from Gauff.
“I saved getting so emotional,” Sabalenka mentioned. “So I discovered so much. Above all, one factor: I am the one who at all times treats my opponents with nice respect, whether or not I win or lose. With out that respect, I would not be the place I’m immediately. So it was a troublesome however very invaluable lesson for me.”
