Weeks after her heartbreaking loss to Coco Gauff in the 2025 Roland Garros final, Aryna Sabalenka has publicly apologized for the comments she made in the post match conference. The remarks stirred immediate controversy and drew massive criticism for appearing to downplay Gauff’s achievement.
Following the final, which saw Coco Gauff come from behind to defeat Sabalenka and claim her first French Open title, the World No. 1 expressed frustration in her press conference.
“I think she won the match not because she played incredible. Just because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka had said. “I was just making unforced errors… from kind of easy balls.”
While many acknowledged the emotion of the moment, others viewed the comments as dismissive of Gauff’s performance. Now, Sabalenka is taking responsibility for her words.
“That was just completely unprofessional of me,” she said in a recent interview. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life.”
The 26-year-old was candid and self-reflective as she explained how the emotional weight of the loss and the spotlight contributed to her response.
“The difference with me is: the world is watching,” Aryna Sabalenka said. “I got a lot more hate for what I did afterwards than most people. But what I also want to say is: I spoke to Coco afterward — not immediately, but recently.”
According to Sabalenka, the conversation with Gauff helped her process the experience and make amends for her words.
“I wanted to apologize and make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her,” she continued. “I never intended to attack her. I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference. I’m not necessarily proud of what I did.”
Gauff, who became the youngest American to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002, replied to Aryna Sabalenka in very poised manner. However, later on, Sabalenka acknowledged the significance of that moment and admitted it taught her something deeper about herself.
“It took me a while to revisit it, to approach it with open eyes and understand. I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals? I kept getting so emotional,” she concluded. “I also learned a lot. 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.”