After her big win at the French Open, Coco Gauff has responded to Aryna Sabalenka’s comments following the women’s singles final. Gauff, who secured her first French Open title, had to face some controversial remarks from Sabalenka, who suggested that Gauff’s victory came more from her mistakes than her excellent performance.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Post-Match Reaction
Sabalenka made headlines after the match by stating, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible; just because I made all of those mistakes … kind of like from easy balls.” Her comments stirred up criticism from fans and analysts, as many felt she did not give enough credit to Gauff’s performance on the court.
However, Sabalenka later took to Instagram to amend her words. She shared that Gauff “handled the conditions much better” and praised her for playing with “poise and purpose,” acknowledging the tough conditions they both had to battle during the match.
Gauff’s Response
Coco Gauff, who defeated Sabalenka in a hard-fought battle, was surprised by her opponent’s initial remarks. In an interview with Good Morning America, Gauff shared that she understood Sabalenka’s reaction, given the emotional nature of the match and the loss. She said, “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match and it was a tough loss.”
Gauff also expressed that she wanted to give Sabalenka the benefit of the doubt, recognizing that emotions were high following the intense match. “I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional match,” she added. Despite the comments, Gauff stood by her own performance and emphasized that she had to make Sabalenka work hard for every point.
The Challenge of the Wind
The French Open final was played under tough conditions, with both players facing strong winds due to the roof being open on the stadium. Gauff revealed that she had hoped the roof would be closed, as it was during her previous matches.
“When I found out it was open, I saw how windy it was on the court, I knew it was gonna be an ugly win,” she said, acknowledging how much the wind affected the game.
Despite the challenges, Gauff was able to rally after losing the first set in a tiebreak and came back to win the match 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. This victory marked her second Grand Slam title and her first on a clay court, following her 2023 U.S. Open win.
Gauff Reflects on Her Dream Win
Coco Gauff has been a rising star in tennis for years, and her French Open win has fulfilled a dream she had long held. “I never dreamt about winning a tournament before in my life… and that was the only time I had a dream about winning one,” Gauff explained.
She revealed that the French Open win was something she had mentally prepared for, even writing it down and telling herself it would happen before stepping onto the court.
The win also made Gauff the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. Gauff’s success is a result of her hard work and determination, and she is already looking forward to her next challenge: Wimbledon.
“I’m ready to get back and start training for Wimbledon and try to pull that off,” Gauff said, while also making sure to enjoy her current triumph.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
After her win, Coco Gauff emphasized the importance of soaking in the moment while staying focused on future goals. She mentioned that many people had advised her to “take it in and soak it in,” but as a competitor, she is already eager to get back to work and prepare for Wimbledon, which begins on June 30.
Gauff’s French Open victory is just the beginning of what promises to be a successful career in tennis, and fans are excited to see what she achieves next.
