Aryna Sabalenka Apologizes for Controversial Coco Gauff Comments After French Open 2025 Loss
On June 8, 2025, Aryna Sabalenka issued a statement on her Instagram Story addressing the backlash over her post-match comments following her 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Coco Gauff in the French Open 2025 women’s final on June 7. Sabalenka had faced criticism for remarks deemed “rude” by tennis icon Rennae Stubbs and fans, where she attributed her loss to her own 70 unforced errors and windy conditions, saying, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” and claimed Iga Swiatek would have beaten Gauff in a hypothetical final, per Newsweek.[](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/aryna-sabalenka-sparks-controversy-coco-gauff-comments-after-french-open-2082499)
In her statement, Sabalenka clarified, “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,” per Sports Illustrated.[](https://www.si.com/tennis/aryna-sabalenka-releases-statement-amid-backlash-over-coco-gauff-comments)
Gauff responded graciously on Good Morning America on June 9, saying, “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match, and it was a tough loss. I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt,” per Bleacher Report. Fans on X, like @viarifnote, noted Sabalenka’s recalibration, while others, like @MJFINESSELOVER, felt the apology came too late, reflecting mixed sentiment.
