Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 tennis player, has publicly reached out to Coco Gauff to express her apologies for the “unprofessional” remarks she made following her defeat to Gauff in the final of the French Open. Speaking with Eurosport Germany, Sabalenka reflected on her statements made after the match at Roland Garros earlier this month, admitting they were a mistake.
In her post-match press conference held in Paris, Sabalenka suggested that Gauff’s victory was more a result of her own mistakes rather than Gauff's performance. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible,” Sabalenka had stated at the time. “Just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls.” These comments quickly drew criticism and were seen as dismissive of Gauff’s achievement.
Now, with some time to reflect, Sabalenka has expressed regret over her words. “That was just completely unprofessional of me,” she told Eurosport Germany. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life.” Sabalenka acknowledged that everyone has moments where they lose control, and she is no exception.
In her heartfelt apology, Sabalenka revealed that she had written to Gauff to ensure that she understood her worth as a champion. “I wrote to Coco afterward – not immediately, but recently,” she said. “I wanted to make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her.” This gesture highlights Sabalenka’s intention to mend any misunderstandings stemming from her earlier comments.
During the final match, Sabalenka showcased her powerful game, hitting 37 winners. However, she also struggled with consistency, finishing the match with 70 unforced errors. In comparison, Gauff had 30 winners and matched her with 30 unforced errors. This discrepancy in performance illustrates the challenges Sabalenka faced during the match.
Reflecting on her experience, Sabalenka noted, “I never intended to attack her. I was super-emotional and not very smart at that press conference.” She emphasized her desire to learn from the situation, stating, “It took me a while to go back and think about it, to approach it with open eyes, and to understand. I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals?” This introspection indicates Sabalenka's commitment to personal growth and professional development in her tennis career.
