Gauff firmly contests Sabalenka: "It's not fair to say that"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 7 Jun 2025 | 20.56

Coco Gauff, in a press conference as the champion of Roland Garros 2025. Photo: Getty

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Despite arriving with some different expectations than what the reality turned out to be, something that also happened to Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two produced the final surprise at this Roland Garros 2025, full of plot twists. After two incredible weeks and a higher level in the ultimate battle for the trophy, Coco Gauff became the new champion of the French Grand Slam.

With a big smile and promising a future speech in French in case of repeating success at the Philippe Chatrier, Gauff went to the press conference to share how her spectacular experience in Paris has been, how she lived the final, if she expected her victory, and how she has evolved on the surface.

Challenging Conditions

"It was super tough. Right from the start, I felt the wind and I already knew it would be hard, because we didn't have the roof closed. I knew everything would depend on willpower and mental aspects. Everything was decided in those last points, but overall, I'm super happy with today's battle, it wasn't pretty, but the job is done, and that's what matters.

The conditions were very challenging, especially at the end of the court, it was very difficult to hit the ball and make it go over. It was similar to the first-round match, so I knew what to expect. After playing my last two matches indoors, it has been a completely different experience."

Differences with her first Grand Slam and her final against Swiatek

"The first Grand Slam was more emotional, but this one was tougher. When you get the first one, you don't want to stop; this one is special because since I was young it was the tournament where I saw myself having the most chances of winning. I had to go for it, and that's what I did against Aryna.

I remembered the ceremony when Iga won, I tried to pay attention to everything and wanted to live that experience someday. When the anthem played, I remembered that moment, it was tough, I doubted myself, if I would ever achieve that, especially mentally. I cried before the match, I was nervous and couldn't even breathe. Today I was really prepared. I told myself: 'I'm going to give it my all, no matter what, I will be proud of the result'".

Her thoughts after losing the first set

"It was disappointing as I had many chances in that tiebreak and she played well in that set, so it was important. I told myself I had to try again and not play the same way. I tried to be more aggressive in the second set and it worked. Then in the third, I knew she would step up her game. In the first game, she played well.

I had to try to match her level and run. I know it's very difficult to hit harder than her. I tried to get the ball back on the other side defensively, but with the wind, it was also important for me to put as many balls into play as possible simply because it's tough. You move your feet, the ball moves, and the shots that are good on a normal day were terrible today".

Body Language

"I don't pay too much attention to that, especially against Aryna. I've seen her get angry and then destroy the court. So I was frustrated too, even if I didn't show it much. In my head, I was frustrated. If I was frustrated, my opponent must have been too. It wasn't a day to play great tennis. I don't know many players who could have played great tennis today, but that's part of the sport and playing outdoors. You never know what to expect, especially in Paris".

Her response to Sabalenka regarding Swiatek's statement

Aryna went to the press conference and said that if Iga had beaten her in the semifinals, the Pole would have won today in the final: "I disagree. Here I am! The last time I played against her, without undermining Iga, I won in three sets. I don't think it's fair to say that because anything can happen. Honestly, with how Aryna has been playing in recent weeks, she was the favorite to win. She was the best person I could have played against in the final because she's the world number 1. She was the best opponent. I believe I played the toughest match, given the statistics. Since Iga is the champion here, it would have been a tough match anyway.

I had high hopes of winning whoever I played against and had that conviction. If someone had asked me who I wanted to play against, I would have preferred to face Iga because Aryna played very well, but Iga also is a tough opponent. Neither of them would have been a better opponent, but things happened as they did, and that's why I'm here today".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gauff contesta de forma tajante a Sabalenka: "No es justo decir eso"