Coco Gauff Defeats Aryna Sabalenka in Controversial French Open Final

Aryna Sabalenka faced widespread criticism for her post-match comments after losing to Coco Gauff in the 2025 French Open final, where she claimed Gauff won not because she played well but due to Sabalenka's own mistakes, including 70 unforced errors. Sabalenka also suggested that Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semifinals, would have beaten Gauff in the final, remarks that sparked backlash from players and commentators like Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs. Sabalenka apologized on social media, acknowledging her poor performance and giving credit to Gauff, but her apology did little to quell the criticism. Gauff responded maturely, attributing Sabalenka's comments to emotional stress and emphasizing she was focused on her own performance and victory. The final was played under challenging windy conditions with the roof open at Court Philippe-Chatrier, which both players noted affected play. The controversy highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny top athletes face in Grand Slam finals and the importance of sportsmanship in post-match conduct.