Coco Gauff, the 2025 French Open champion and world No. 2, has candidly shared the private conversation she had with her team following Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial post-match comments after their Roland Garros final on June 7, 2025. Gauff’s 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory over the world No. 1 was overshadowed when Sabalenka attributed her loss to her own 70 unforced errors and “terrible conditions,” stating, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” as reported by *The Guardian*. Sabalenka also claimed Iga Swiatek, whom she beat in the semi-finals, would have defeated Gauff in the final. In an interview with *Good Morning America* on June 9, 2025, Gauff revealed she told her team, “It was a terrible thing to say, but I’m not letting it take away from this win. We worked too hard for this.”
Speaking to *Tennis365* on June 28, 2025, ahead of Wimbledon, Gauff admitted the remarks initially stung, confiding to her coaches, “It hurt a bit, but I told them we’re not dwelling on it. We focus on what’s next—Wimbledon prep starts now.” She emphasized maintaining a positive mindset, saying, “I preach love, I preach light. I’m not going to fuel hate over this.” Gauff initially held back from responding publicly, telling *ESPN*, “I didn’t want to say anything unless I saw exactly what was said.” Sabalenka’s delayed apology, delivered via a private message two days later and a public Instagram Story on June 8, 2025, acknowledged her “unprofessional” comments, stating, “Coco handled the conditions much better and deserved the win,” per *The Athletic*.
Gauff accepted the apology, noting to *ProFootballNetwork*, “She texted me, and I said it’s all good, let’s move on.” The resolution was cemented by their viral TikTok dance on Wimbledon’s Centre Court on June 27, 2025, captioned by Gauff, “The olive branch was extended and accepted! We’re good,” as reported by @TheAthletic on X. Fan reactions on X were mixed, with @LeDerius on June 9 praising Gauff’s maturity, while @Miamivserrbody quipped, “Coco said, ‘Girl, I took your head off!’” referencing her press conference clapback. Others, like @TennisFanatic, felt the apology was “too late,” echoing Gauff’s initial frustration.
As Gauff gears up for her Wimbledon opener against Dayana Yastremska on June 30, 2025, aiming to surpass her previous fourth-round best, her ability to rise above Sabalenka’s remarks showcases her resilience. Supported by her team, including coaches Jean-Christophe Faurel and Brad Gilbert, Gauff’s focus remains on her game and her “hakuna matata” philosophy, ensuring the Roland Garros drama doesn’t derail her quest for a second Grand Slam title.
