Aryna Sabalenka has clarified her stance on Coco Gauff’s French Open triumph, emphasizing that the American fully deserved her victory. The world number one initially sparked controversy by suggesting that Iga Swiatek would have won the final had she advanced, a statement that drew criticism from fans and analysts.
Following the backlash, Sabalenka released a statement acknowledging Gauff’s performance and giving her credit for stepping up in the final. “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,” she said.
Gauff’s victory marked her second Grand Slam title, following her US Open win in 2023. She overcame Sabalenka in three sets, demonstrating resilience and tactical brilliance on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
Sabalenka’s initial comments about Swiatek fueled debate, with many arguing that they undermined Gauff’s achievement. However, her latest statement appears to be an effort to set the record straight and recognize the American’s accomplishment.
Despite the disappointment of losing, Sabalenka remains one of the most dominant players in the sport and will look to bounce back in upcoming tournaments. Meanwhile, Gauff continues to solidify her place among the elite, proving she can compete with the best on the biggest stages.
This was her statement:
“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. 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.”
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
LWWWLWWWWW Ranked world no.1, Aryna played her last match on the 7th of June when she capitulated to world no.2 Cori Gauff 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 in the final of the French Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Aryna has achieved a composed 40-7 win-loss record. Aryna clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Sabalenka was the finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart and French Open.
Cori Gauff in 2025
LLWWWWWWWL Ranked no.2 (career-high), Coco played her last match on the 7th of June when she beat world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 in the final of the French Open to win her 11th career title.
This season the American has managed to achieve a composed 31-8 match record. Coco conquered 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. Gauff was the finalist in Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka and Cori Gauff squared off 11 times. Their head to head is 6-5 for Gauff.
