COCO GAUFF admitted she was “surprised” by Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial comments after the French Open final.
Gauff, 21, came from behind on Court Philippe-Chatrier to win 6-7 6-2 6-4 on Saturday.
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It was the second Grand Slam of her career following the 2023 US Open success – with both coming against Sabalenka in the final.
But usually a gracious loser, Sabalenka, 27, bemoaned the “terrible” windy conditions contributing to her “terrible” performance.
She was also criticised for adding that Gauff “won the match not because she played incredible” but because “I made all of those mistakes”.
The Belarusian world No1 – who hit 70 unforced errors in the final – said: “This hurts so much.
“We showed terrible tennis in the final – that really hurts.
“If Iga [Swiatek] would [beat] me another day, I think she would go out today and she would get the win.
“It [the wind] felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was just there laughing saying, ‘Let’s see if you can handle this.’
“Honestly, sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court, and you are kind of on the back foot.
“Thank you my team for your support. I am sorry for this terrible final. As always, I will come back stronger.
“Coco congrats. In these tough conditions, you were a better player than me. Well deserved. You are a fighter and a hard worker.”
Sabalenka did backtrack somewhat in an Instagram post on Sunday.
But classy Gauff took the comments in her stride with a typically humble but honest response.
The American – the first woman from the USA to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015 – said: “I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match and it was a tough loss.
“I was a little bit surprised about the comments and everything
“But I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt.
“I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional match.”
‘I DON’T AGREE’
The world No2 also added: “I don’t agree with that.
“No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her I won in straight sets.
“I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.”
Gauff and Sabalenka will both be looking to complete the third leg of their career Grand Slam plans at Wimbledon.
The grass-court major gets underway on June 30 – with the pair to be the top two seeds.
Gauff has never been beyond the fourth round at the All England club while Sabalenka is a two-time semi-finalist.
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