PARIS — Aryna Sabalenka expressed her profound disappointment following her defeat in the French Open final to Coco Gauff, labeling her performance as “terrible” and the worst she has delivered in recent months. Tears were evident in her eyes as she reflected on the match, which ended with scores of 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4.
The world No. 1, who had high expectations, found herself grappling with the challenges posed not only by Gauff but also by the difficult conditions on the court. Sabalenka’s frustrations were palpable as she skipped the customary congratulations to the victor and instead turned her focus inward, stating, “This will hurt so much… playing great tennis and in these terrible conditions and then playing such terrible tennis in the final.”
In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka criticized the weather as a major factor affecting her play, admitting that Gauff was more adept at handling the conditions. “Conditions were terrible, and she was simply better than me today,” she said, acknowledging that the match was heavily weighted in Gauff’s favor. This loss marked the second consecutive Grand Slam final Sabalenka has lost, both in three sets, despite being favored to win.
With 70 unforced errors against only 37 winners, Sabalenka struggled under pressure. “She won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” she explained, commenting on Gauff’s performance, which relied heavily on her ability to retrieve and respond. Sabalenka’s acknowledgment of Gauff’s defensive skills contrasted with her own difficulties, particularly as the match progressed and the wind intensified.
Sabalenka’s mental state deteriorated as the stakes grew higher. She admitted feeling “overemotional,” drawing a parallel with her previous Grand Slam encounter against Gauff at the U.S. Open two years prior. “Another terrible performance from me against Coco in the final,” she lamented. Meanwhile, Gauff remained confident, refuting suggestions that her opponent’s previous matchups against Iga Świątek might have affected the outcome, asserting, “I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say.”
Despite clinching her first major title, Gauff underscored the significant role that her own abilities played in the victory. The 19-year-old emphasized the importance of staying calm and focused, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s failures rather than extraordinary play on her part.
Sabalenka’s turbulent emotions were evident throughout the match and in her subsequent reflections. Her coach, Jason Stacy, addressed the persistent pressures that come with competition, advocating for a mindset that acknowledges stress while resisting its overwhelming power. “You can’t pretend it’s not going to be a thing,” he stated, offering insight into Sabalenka’s mentality.
As she prepares for a much-needed retreat to Mykonos to unwind, Sabalenka remains acutely aware of the weight of expectations. Her immediate plans include indulging in leisure activities, laughing at the juxtaposition of relaxation against the challenges of her recent experience. Yet, even in light-hearted moments, traces of her inner turmoil linger.
“This crazy thing that happened today… it’s hard to put it into words,” she confessed, encapsulating her journey through the match and its aftermath. The road ahead remains uncertain for the top-ranked player, who must now navigate both her internal struggles and the external pressures of being a leading figure in women’s tennis. Ultimately, how she manages these challenges will significantly shape the next chapter of her career.
