Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Post-Match Comments
In a recent revelation, Aryna Sabalenka has expressed her regret over comments she made after her defeat to Coco Gauff in the French Open final. Following her match, where she lost 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, Sabalenka made remarks suggesting her loss was more about her mistakes than Gauff’s achievements, which she later deemed “unprofessional.”
Admission of Error
During an interview with Eurosport Germany, the world’s top-ranked player reflected on her emotional state post-match, admitting that she let her feelings influence her words.
“I completely recognize that my comments were inappropriate, and I feel remorse for the way I expressed myself. Everyone makes mistakes; I’m learning and growing in this sport and in life,”
Sabalenka stated.
In the match, Sabalenka showcased impressive power with 37 winners but ultimately faltered with a staggering 70 unforced errors compared to Gauff’s 30. Not long after the match, Sabalenka reached out to Gauff to convey her sincere apologies, emphasizing that the American deserved to win the title and expressing her deep respect for her rival.
Acknowledgment and Growth
“I never meant to disparage her,”
Sabalenka clarified.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion and didn’t handle the press conference as well as I should have. I truly respect all my opponents, and this was a hard yet crucial lesson for me about composure and respect in our sport.”
This loss adds to Sabalenka’s frustration after also falling short against Gauff in the U.S. Open final earlier in 2023, a match where Sabalenka even won the first set before losing. She acknowledges her tendency to become emotional in high-stakes situations and has prioritized learning from these experiences.
“The lessons have been significant. I need to maintain respect for my opponents—it’s vital to my journey in tennis,”
she concluded.
