Coco Gauff has sent a message to Aryna Sabalenka after defeating her at Roland Garros to win the French Open 2025.
Gauff was quite sensational throughout the tournament, but the final in particular, the American oozed class.
It was her first taste of success at Roland Garros, with Gauff now having two Grand Slam titles to her name at the young age of 21.
However, despite her efforts, Sabalenka was dismissive of Gauff, suggesting that had Iga Swiatek won in the semi-final, she would have defeated the world number two in the final.
The American has responded to this in typical Gauff fashion.
Coco Gauff states what she wants to happen to Aryna Sabalenka
The American has told fans to lay off Sabalenka after what must have been a disappointing outcome for the 27-year-old.
Gauff told ESPN: “I think for me, I wanted that match up. I did not want an excuse, especially because I feel like people always try to make excuses as to why I win. So I was like, I want to play and give people like I played the best player in the world, and I can beat her. I did it in the US Open and was ranked number two, and finished that year number one.
“The comments after the match. Those comments, I was a little bit surprised by them, but at the end of the day, what happened happened. I won because I earned that win, and we both had to play in the wind. We both had to deal with those conditions.
“I did not feel great on the court at all. I went down 4-1 and thought I was playing the worst tennis of the tournament, but the difference was that I was able to recognise that and find a different way to win that match.
“But she was probably emotional about it, so I am not going to take it with too much anything. And I do hope that people give her a little bit of slack, too.”
Sabalenka has since apologised for her heat-of-the-moment comments.
American tennis is in good hands after Gauff victory
The 21-year-old is fabulous, not just on-court, but also with her attitude of it. At such a young age – this is extremely refreshing to see.
Ahead of the final, she played down the magnitude of the occasion, insisting it was just a tennis match – and that the sun would still rise the next day, regardless of the result.
Right now, Gauff is inspiring a proud nation daily, and this victory puts her in excellent shape heading into Wimbledon later this month.
Her comments about Sabalenka showed remarkable maturity – and perhaps it’s something the world number one could learn from.
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