Olaniyi AyoolaCoco Gauff, fresh off her French Open victory, expressed genuine surprise after hearing Aryna Sabalenka’s post-match remarks following their final showdown in Paris. The 20-year-old American, who captured her second Grand Slam title with a commanding performance, didn’t expect the Belarusian star to be so candid in her reaction to the loss. Sabalenka, who struggled with unforced errors and physical discomfort during the match, later said she felt disappointed and implied that her level wasn’t reflective of her best form, comments that caught Gauff off guard.
Gauff acknowledged that everyone has the right to express frustration after a tough defeat but noted that she hadn’t anticipated Sabalenka to be so open with her disappointment. The champion emphasized that every player approaches loss differently and that emotions run high in those moments, but she still found the remarks unexpected considering the mutual respect they’ve shared on tour. Gauff also pointed out that her focus was simply on executing her game plan and staying mentally composed, especially knowing how dangerous Sabalenka can be when she’s at her best.
This title further solidifies Gauff’s position as one of the sport’s rising stars, and her maturity in responding to post-match tension did not go unnoticed. Rather than fueling controversy, she maintained a composed perspective, choosing to focus on her performance and continued growth. The win not only adds another major trophy to her collection but also strengthens her standing in the rankings as she heads into the second half of the season with momentum. As for the comments, Gauff made it clear she respects Sabalenka as a competitor and is looking forward to their future matchups, emphasizing that rivalries can be intense without becoming personal.
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Olaniyi Ayoola
