Aryna Sabalenka has opened up about the emotional aftermath of her loss to Coco Gauff in the French Open final, offering a candid reflection on her behavior and a heartfelt apology to her opponent. The world No. 1 admitted that her post-match comments, which downplayed Gauff’s performance, were driven by frustration and poor judgment.

“That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka said in a recent interview. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then.” She acknowledged the pressure of being in the spotlight, noting that when she falters, the scrutiny is magnified: “The difference with me is: the world is watching.”

Sabalenka revealed that she reached out to Gauff after some time had passed, wanting to make amends. “I spoke to Coco afterward—not immediately, but recently,” she said. “I wanted to apologize and make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her.”

The Belarusian star emphasized that her remarks were never meant as a personal attack. “I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference,” she admitted. “It took me a while to revisit it, to approach it with open eyes and understand.”

Reflecting on her career, Sabalenka pointed to a recurring pattern of emotional volatility in high-stakes matches. “Why did I lose so many finals? I kept getting so emotional,” she said. But through this experience, she believes she’s grown. “Above all, one thing: I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect—whether I win or lose. Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Her words mark a moment of humility and growth, as she continues to navigate the challenges of elite competition with a renewed sense of self-awareness. Sabalenka’s willingness to own her mistakes and reach out to Gauff underscores the evolving maturity of a player still learning under the brightest lights.

Aryna Sabalenka in 2025

Currently ranked no.1, Aryna played her last match on the 7^th of June when she was overcome by world no.2 Cori Gauff 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 in the final of the French Open (draw).

During this season Sabalenka has a compiled 40-7 win-loss record. The Belarussian conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Sabalenka was the finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart and French Open.

Cori Gauff in 2025

At the moment ranked no.2 (career-high), Gauff played her last match on the 7^th of June when she beat world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 in the final of the French Open to win her 11^th career title.

Until now, during this year Gauff achieved an overall 31-8 record. Gauff conquered 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. The American got to the final in Madrid and Rome.

Aryna Sabalenka and Cori Gauff fought against each other 11 times. Their actual head to head record is 6-5 for Gauff.

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