On Sunday, Aryna Sabalenka apologized for her comment after the women’s singles French Open final.
American Coco Gauff defeated Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 at Roland-Garros on Saturday, clinching her second Grand Slam title.
In a news conference after the match, Sabalenka said, “[Gauff] won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes.”
Sabalenka had 70 unforced errors in her match against Gauff, but it’s easy to see why some may have thought she was discrediting the 21-year-old American. On her Instagram story, she clarified she wasn’t trying to do that.
“Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did, Sabalenka wrote. “She was the better player yesterday, and I wanted to give her the credit she earned.
“You all know me… I’m always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. I made over 70 unforced errors, so I can’t pretend it was a great day for me.
“But both things can be true… I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.
“Time to rest, learn and come back stronger.”
Time will tell if Gauff accepts Sabalenka’s apology. The 27-year-old Belarusian also said Iga Swiatek, whom she beat in the semifinals, could’ve beaten her on Saturday because of windy conditions.
“I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m sitting here [as the champion],” Gauff told the media. “No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her, I won in straight sets. I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say because anything can really happen.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if Sabalenka and Gauff meet again at Wimbledon in early July. As of Sunday, Sabalenka is the world’s No. 1 player, and Gauff is the No. 2. If they face each other in the final, Sabalenka’s comments after the French Open could be one of the main storylines.
