“I went through that with Serena Williams” – Patrick Mouratoglou makes his feelings clear on Aryna Sabalenka apologizing for Coco Gauff controversy
The 2025 French Open women’s final between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff delivered high drama, but it was Sabalenka’s post-match comments that sparked a firestorm of controversy. After losing 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, Sabalenka attributed her defeat to her own 70 unforced errors, omitting praise for Gauff’s performance. The remarks drew criticism for appearing to diminish Gauff’s victory, prompting Sabalenka to issue both a private apology to Gauff and a public statement. Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned former coach of Serena Williams, has now weighed in, defending Sabalenka’s apology and drawing parallels to his time coaching Williams through similar high-pressure moments.
In an Instagram video posted shortly after the controversy, Mouratoglou lauded Sabalenka’s accountability. “I’m glad @arynasabalenka had the courage to revisit what she said after the final, it shows real character,” he said. The World No. 1’s initial comments came in the heat of the moment, as she grappled with the disappointment of losing a tightly contested final. Mouratoglou, no stranger to the emotional toll of Grand Slam matches, noted, “I went through that with Serena Williams.” He explained that such reactions are human, especially when players are under intense scrutiny after a defeat. “When you’re in that moment, you’re not always thinking clearly,” he added.
Sabalenka’s press conference remarks focused heavily on her own errors—70 unforced errors, a statistic that underscored her struggles in key moments. However, this narrative overlooked Gauff’s exceptional defensive play and ability to capitalize on Sabalenka’s mistakes, which many felt deserved acknowledgment. The backlash on platforms like X highlighted the tennis community’s sensitivity to perceived slights, particularly in a high-profile final. Recognizing her misstep, Sabalenka reached out to Gauff privately and issued a public statement: “Coco played great, and I didn’t mean to take anything away from her. I have so much respect for her game.”
Mouratoglou’s defense centered on the difficulty of owning a mistake in the public eye. “It’s not easy to come back and say, ‘I got it wrong.’ That takes strength,” he said. He drew a direct comparison to Serena Williams, who faced similar controversies during her career, including heated post-match comments that sometimes required clarification or apologies. Mouratoglou’s experience with Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, gives weight to his perspective on Sabalenka’s situation. He emphasized that top athletes, despite their competitive fire, often show growth through accountability, as Sabalenka did.
As the tennis world shifts focus to the grass-court season, with Wimbledon looming on June 30, 2025, Sabalenka’s apology has largely diffused the controversy. Her three Grand Slam titles and consistent dominance make her a favorite, but this episode highlights her ability to navigate challenges off the court as well. Mouratoglou’s comments serve as a reminder that even the best players are human, and moments of vulnerability can lead to growth. For Sabalenka, the apology not only mended ties with Gauff but also reinforced her reputation as a player of integrity.
