Coco Gauff, the 2025 French Open champion and world No. 2, publicly disagreed with fellow American tennis star Madison Keys regarding the fallout from Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial comments after their French Open final on June 7, 2025. Gauff, speaking at a pre-Wimbledon press conference on June 28, 2025, admitted she felt the public and media reaction to Sabalenka’s remarks went “too far” but expressed frustration over the delayed apology from the world No. 1, which she found “a little tempting” to respond to publicly. The incident, which stirred significant debate, highlighted Gauff’s commitment to maintaining positivity despite feeling stung by both Sabalenka’s words and Keys’ minimization of the situation.
The controversy began after Gauff’s 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory over Sabalenka in the Roland Garros final. In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka attributed her loss to her own 70 unforced errors, stating, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.” She also suggested Iga Swiatek would have beaten Gauff in the final, remarks that drew widespread criticism for lacking sportsmanship, as reported by *The Mirror US* and *Express.co.uk*. Gauff, addressing the comments on *Good Morning America* on June 9, 2025, gave Sabalenka the benefit of the doubt, noting, “I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional match,” but later admitted to *Tennis365*, “It was very weird. I’m transparent. At first, it was a little tempting [to respond] just because the apology did come a little bit later.”
Sabalenka issued a public apology via an Instagram Story on June 8, 2025, writing, “Coco handled the conditions much better and played with poise and purpose,” and followed up with a private message to Gauff, as reported by *The Athletic* on June 17. She labeled her initial comments “unprofessional,” saying, “I was just completely upset with myself, and emotions got over me.” However, Gauff felt the apology was delayed, telling *Express.co.uk*, “I thought it was going to come pretty quick,” and noted the intense backlash, particularly in the U.S., went “too far” with “not nice” targeting of Sabalenka. Gauff emphasized her stance against fueling hate, stating, “I preach love, I preach light. I just want us to be kumbaya, hakuna matata.”
Keys, who defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 Australian Open final, downplayed the controversy, telling *The Mirror US*, “Things just kind of come out… I don’t think Coco cares.” Gauff, however, contradicted this, admitting she was “indeed hurt” by Sabalenka’s remarks, per *Express.co.uk*. The two have since reconciled, filming a TikTok dance together on Wimbledon’s Centre Court on June 27, 2025, signaling their resolution, as noted by @TheAthletic on X. As Gauff faces Dayana Yastremska and Sabalenka takes on Carson Branstine in Wimbledon’s first round on June 30, 2025, Gauff’s candid disagreement with Keys underscores her resolve to address slights while promoting unity
