Aryna Sabalenka issued a statement regarding her comments following Saturday’s French Open final that drew negative attention.
Sabalenka, who was the top seed in the women’s singles draw for the French Open, lost in the final at Roland Garros to Coco Gauff 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. After losing in the finals, Sabalenka gave a runner-up speech that was panned by many. During that speech, Sabalenka lamented that she had played “terrible tennis.” Sabalenka indeed committed 70 unforced errors in the loss.
Some people felt Sabalenka’s comments lacked class and detracted from Gauff’s win. Sabalenka addressed matters in a post on her Instagram Story Sunday.
“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.
“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.
“But 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 concluded.
Sabalenka does process her thoughts out loud in real time and without much of a filter, so this isn’t the first time she’s had a speech come off that way. The only answer for her is to win those matches so she doesn’t have to give a speech as a runner-up.
Sabalenka has won three career majors — all since 2023. This was her first time reaching the French Open finals.
Aryna Sabalenka released a statement regarding her comments about Coco Gauff after the French Open Final pic.twitter.com/gaAP81eybH
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 8, 2025
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