Coco Gauff addressed the media ahead of Wimbledon 2025 with grace and clarity, speaking for the first time about Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial comments following their Roland Garros final. The American star, who triumphed in Paris after a gritty three-set battle, admitted she was initially taken aback by Sabalenka’s remarks but emphasized that the matter is now behind them.

“I was surprised, yeah,” Gauff said during the pre-tournament press conference. “But she reached out, and I’ve accepted her apology. We’re good.”

Sabalenka had drawn criticism after suggesting that Gauff’s victory was more due to her own errors than the American’s performance. The comments sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some accusing the Belarusian of being dismissive. However, Sabalenka later clarified that her words were driven by frustration and not intended to undermine Gauff’s achievement. She apologized both privately and publicly, acknowledging that her emotions had gotten the better of her.

Gauff, currently ranked World No. 2, said she appreciated the gesture and didn’t want to fuel negativity. “I’m not someone to hold a grudge,” she explained. “She apologized, and that’s what mattered to me. We’ve even practiced together since then, and everything’s cool.”

The two were recently seen laughing and dancing together at Wimbledon, a moment that quickly went viral and reassured fans that any tension had been resolved. As both players prepare for another potential showdown on the grass courts, Gauff’s mature handling of the situation has only added to her growing reputation as a poised and thoughtful competitor.

Aryna Sabalenka in 2025

Ranked world no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 1^st of January 1970 when she capitulated to world no.73 Marketa Vondrousova 6-2 6-4 in the semifinal in Berlin (draw).

Currently, during this year the Belarussian owns a compiled 42-8 record. Aryna clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. The Belarussian was the finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart and French Open.

Cori Gauff in 2025

Now the world no.2 (career-high), Gauff played her last match on the 1^st of January 1970 when she surrendered to world no.33 Xinyu Wang 6-3 6-3 in the 2^nd round in Berlin (draw).

This year Coco owns a 31-9 record. Gauff conquered 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. The American was the runner-up in Madrid and Rome.

Aryna Sabalenka and Cori Gauff played each other 11 times. Their record is 6-5 for Gauff.

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