Coco Gauff, fresh off her triumph at the French Open, is not one to let criticism overshadow her achievements. The 21-year-old tennis star responded to Aryna Sabalenka's assertion that Gauff's victory was merely a product of her own mistakes during the final.
In a tense showdown on June 7, Gauff clinched the title with a score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, marking a significant moment in tennis history as it was the first final between the world’s top two players since 2013. This victory not only secured Gauff her first French Open singles title but also made her the first American woman to win since Serena Williams in 2015.
Post-match, Sabalenka expressed disappointment in her performance, citing a staggering 70 unforced errors and labeling the match as “really bad” and “the worst final I have ever played.” She went further to suggest that defending champion Iga Świątek would have likely defeated Gauff.
“I think Iga would go out today and she would get the win. It just hurts. Honestly hurts,” Sabalenka lamented during the press conference. Her frustration was palpable as she reflected on her recent form, stating, “It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was there laughing.”
Gauff, however, stood resolute in her response. “I mean, I don’t agree with that,” she stated confidently while seated next to her newly earned trophy. “No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her I won in straight sets.” Her assertion emphasized that the outcome of the match was not solely dependent on Sabalenka’s errors.
She acknowledged Sabalenka’s status as the world No. 1, asserting, “Her being No. 1 in the world was the best person to play, so I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone.” Gauff’s previous encounter with Świątek ended in defeat during the 2022 French Open final.
Reflecting on her journey, Gauff shared insights into her mindset after winning. “I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago,” she remarked. “I’m just glad to be back here.” Her victory was not just about the title; it symbolized overcoming personal struggles and doubts.
On June 8, Gauff took to Instagram to express her emotions about the win. “Waking up and starting to realize it was indeed not a dream,” she wrote alongside images from the final. She candidly discussed how past losses had instilled doubt in her abilities but emphasized her determination to rise above those thoughts.
“The younger Coco would have looked at me crazy because that girl never doubted a thing in her life,” she reflected. Gauff’s message resonated with many as she encouraged others to confront their doubts: “If I can overcome, so can you.”
Celebrating her victory on social media immediately after the match, Gauff expressed gratitude and disbelief at her achievement. “Wow. this means so much to me truly... I worked so hard for this moment,” she shared, underscoring the significance of perseverance and faith in one’s dreams.
