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Visibly distraught after her defeat by Coco Gauff in the French Open 2025 women's singles final, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka openly expressed her deep disappointment. The Belarusian star was overcome with emotion, describing her performance as "terrible" and admitting her devastation at how the match unfolded on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Despite acknowledging the challenging playing conditions, Sabalenka took full accountability for the loss and extended her congratulations to Gauff on her second Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff was celebrating an emotional high, having just lifted her maiden Roland Garros trophy and second Grand Slam overall, Sabalenka was left to contemplate the factors that led to her defeat. After narrowly winning a tense first set in a 7-6 tiebreak, the momentum of the match dramatically shifted in Gauff's favor. The American player staged a remarkable comeback, decisively winning the following two sets 6-2, 6-4 with a display of commanding tennis.
Speaking to the crowd on the court after the final, while holding the runner-up trophy and visibly fighting back tears, Sabalenka offered an apology to her coaching team. She conveyed her profound disappointment with her performance in the match, highlighting the intensity of her emotions following the loss.
“Honestly guys, this one hurts so much. Especially after such a tough two weeks—playing great tennis, and then in these terrible conditions, to show such terrible tennis in the final, it really hurts. But it’s OK. Anyway, Coco, congrats. In these tough conditions, you were the better player than me. Well done on a great two weeks. Congrats on the second Slam. You’re a fighter, a hard worker. Congrats to you and your team,” Sabalenka said after the match.
In the critical moments of the final set, Coco Gauff displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Following a commanding performance in the second set, she maintained her dominance in the rallies during the third set. Although Aryna Sabalenka managed to level the score at 3-3, Gauff quickly responded with unwavering resolve. Showing her mental strength, Gauff broke back Sabalenka's serve, regaining the lead and putting herself in a strong position to win the championship. With the score at 5-4 in the final set, Gauff served for the match and ultimately clinched victory with a 6-4 scoreline.
The moment the final point was won, and it was clear that Sabalenka's last shot had gone wide, Coco Gauff was overcome with emotion. She dropped to the clay court in an outpouring of sheer joy and relief, celebrating her hard-fought triumph as the crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause.
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