MusaAryna Sabalenka has written a heartfelt apology to Coco Gauff following her emotional outburst after losing in the 2025 French Open final. The Belarusian star, who was widely favored to win the title at Roland Garros, admitted that her post-match comments were “unprofessional” and acknowledged that her frustration got the better of her. Sabalenka’s apology has since gone viral across social media, with fans praising her for taking responsibility and showing respect to her opponent.
The French Open final was one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament. Sabalenka, known for her powerful baseline game and fierce competitiveness, looked determined to secure her second Grand Slam title. But American rising star Coco Gauff had other plans. Gauff played with incredible poise and consistency, eventually defeating Sabalenka in straight sets to claim her maiden French Open crown and second major overall.
After the match, during the press conference, Sabalenka made headlines for comments that appeared to dismiss Gauff’s performance. She suggested that Gauff had simply “played safe” and implied that her own unforced errors had more to do with the loss than anything Gauff had done to earn the win. The comments sparked criticism from fans and tennis analysts alike, who saw them as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.
Realizing the impact of her words, Sabalenka took to Instagram just 48 hours later with a public apology. In the note, she wrote: “I want to sincerely apologize to Coco Gauff for the comments I made after the final. I let my emotions take over, and I didn’t handle the moment the way I should have. Coco played an incredible match and fully deserved the win. What I said was unprofessional and unfair to her effort.”
She continued by acknowledging the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level but admitted that it was no excuse for poor sportsmanship. “Sometimes losing hurts so much that we speak before thinking. I’ve learned a valuable lesson, and I’ll be better next time. Congratulations again to Coco—you were the better player that day.”
Coco Gauff responded graciously, reposting Sabalenka’s apology and thanking her for the message. She wrote, “We’re all human. It takes a lot to say sorry, and I appreciate your words. Much respect.”
The exchange between the two players has drawn admiration from fans around the world. It also serves as a reminder that even in the heat of competition, sportsmanship matters. Both Sabalenka and Gauff have shown maturity in handling the situation, and their respectful exchange has elevated the image of women’s tennis.
As the tennis season moves forward, all eyes will be on both stars at Wimbledon, where they are expected to be top contenders once again. For Sabalenka, the French Open may have ended in disappointment, but her public apology could mark the beginning of a more grounded and sportsmanlike chapter in her career.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola
