MusaAryna Sabalenka has revisited one of the more memorable off-court moments from the 2024 tennis season — Coco Gauff’s tense press conference exchange at Roland Garros — and shared the key takeaway she noticed from it.
The incident occurred after Gauff’s quarterfinal match in Paris, when a reporter’s line of questioning sparked a heated yet composed response from the American star. Gauff pushed back firmly, clarifying her position and ensuring her words couldn’t be misinterpreted. The clip quickly spread on social media, with fans praising her confidence and media savvy.
Sabalenka, speaking ahead of the Cincinnati Open, admitted she remembered the moment well. “I saw the whole thing — Coco handled it so professionally,” the world No. 3 said. “The way she stood up for herself while keeping her composure, that’s something not everyone can do, especially at her age.”
The Belarusian highlighted that the key lesson from the episode wasn’t just about speaking up, but doing so in a way that kept the focus on the game. “She didn’t lose her cool. She stayed respectful, and that’s why people respected her back,” Sabalenka added.
For Sabalenka, the incident was a reminder of how top athletes are often challenged not only by opponents on the court but also by moments in the media room. “Sometimes the biggest battles happen off the court, and the way you handle those can define you as much as a match win,” she said.
Both Sabalenka and Gauff are among the favorites for the upcoming US Open, and with their competitive fire — and strong personalities — fans are expecting them to light up the hard-court season.
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