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Newly crowned Open of France Champion Coco Gauff said she was surprised by the comments that opponent Aryna Sabalenka made after the women’s final, citing her bad performance for the American victory.
Sabalenka, who lost against Gauff in the 2023 final We open, was emotional after her defeat at Roland Garros on Saturday, calling for her performance the “worst tennis” she played in months.
Coco Gauff from the United States poses with the trophy after winning the female final against Aryna Sabalenka at the Roland Garros stadium. (Images Susan Mullane / Imagn)
But Sabalenka did not give credit to Gauff, saying that victory was the result of his bad game.
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“I think I was too emotional,” said Sabalenka after the match. “I did not really manage myself mentally, I would say. So, fundamentally, that’s all. I was just making uns forked mistakes. I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all these mistakes, like, if you look from outside, a bit like easy balls.”
Reacting to these comments during an appearance on “Good Morning America”, Gauff explained that the two players had to fight against difficult conditions in the final. She said she was “surprised” by Sabalenka’s remarks, but she knew that the match was emotional for her opponent.
“Obviously, I know that she was probably a little emotional after this match, and it was a difficult loss. But, honestly, when I walked on the field, I was aware of the wind. We both practiced with the closed roof. … But when I discovered that it was open and had seen how windy it was on the field, I knew it was a ugly victory.
Winner Coco Gauff from the United States, the right of the center and the finalist Aryna Sabalenka du Bélarus pose with their trophies after the last match of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on Saturday June 7, 2025. (Photo / aurelien morissard)
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“I was a little surprised by the comments and everything, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was an emotional day, an emotional match.”
Sabalenka published a statement in response to criticism of his comments.
“Yesterday was difficult. Coco managed the conditions much better than me and she fully deserved victory,” said her article on social networks. “She was the best player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she won.”
Aryna Sabalenka du Bélarus seated on the bench while waiting for the trophy ceremony after losing the last match of the French Open in Coco Gauff from the United States to the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Saturday June 7, 2025. (Photo / Lindsey Wasson)
Gauff suggested that there was no bad blood between the two, calling Sabalenka as “fighter” and “hard opponent”.
Coco has a 6-5 file against Sabalenka. Two of these victories were Chelem securities.
