After an emotional loss to Coco Gauff in the French Open final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is owning her words, learning from the experience, and moving on with grace. The Belarusian star faced backlash after suggesting that her loss came down to her own mistakes rather than giving Gauff credit for her performance. But now, with some time and perspective, Sabalenka is setting the record straight and rebuilding bridges.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Coco,” Sabalenka said during a press session at Wimbledon. “Honestly, I never meant to disrespect her. I was just upset with myself, and I let my emotions take over. I lost control.”
Following the match, Sabalenka issued both a public statement and a private message to Gauff, apologizing for how her comments came across. And based on recent social media posts showing the two laughing and chatting at Wimbledon, it seems the tension has passed.
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“I got what I deserved,” Sabalenka admitted. “It was a hard moment, but I’ve learned a lot. Looking back, I’m kind of glad it happened because it forced me to stop and really take a look at myself—not just brush things off.”
She also mentioned talking things through with her team and said the experience helped her grow not just as a player, but as a person. “It was humbling, and I hope I never react like that again.”
As Wimbledon kicks off, Sabalenka is set to face Canadian Carson Branstine in the first round. And if things line up for a rematch against Gauff later in the tournament — maybe even in the final — she’s more than ready.
“If I make it to the final, I don’t care who’s on the other side of the net,” she said with a smile. “But yeah, I’d love to play Coco again. I want that revenge.”
Sabalenka’s Wimbledon prep has included practice sessions with tennis greats Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner — a rare and valuable opportunity. “Novak is amazing,” she said. “Not only did I get to hit with him, but he gave me real advice. We ended up talking for like 30 minutes — he’s got so much knowledge, and he’s not shy about sharing it. I wish I had hours just to listen to him.”
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As for hitting with Sinner? That was a whole different level. “I hit with him for maybe 10 minutes, and I was completely wiped out,” she joked. “It was intense, but super helpful. You learn a lot just watching those guys play.”
Meanwhile, Gauff is taking a focused, one-step-at-a-time approach at Wimbledon. Though her French Open win was a major milestone, she’s already looking ahead.
“I try not to dwell on wins for too long,” Gauff said. “The first couple of days after the French Open, I let myself enjoy it. But now I’m all in on Wimbledon.”
She’s hoping to finally push past the fourth round, a point where her run has ended multiple times in the past. “That’s the next step for me,” she said. “Of course I want to win the tournament, but I’m all about taking it one match at a time.”
On Sabalenka’s apology, Gauff was quick to let it go. “It’s all water under the bridge,” she said. “We’ve always had a good vibe between us, and I never took what she said personally. We’re totally cool.”
With both players locked in and ready, fans might just get a highly anticipated rematch on the grass courts of Wimbledon — and this time, it’s all about mutual respect and second chances.