Coco Gauff Shuts Down Sabalenka with Bold French Open Clapback
By IDNN Grand Slam Tennis Desk
PARIS, FRANCE – June 13, 2025 | IDNN Grand Slam Tennis Desk
Coco Gauff isn’t just a Grand Slam champion — she’s also not here for disrespect.
The 21-year-old American came from a set down to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final, then delivered a devastatingly composed response to Sabalenka’s post-match bitterness.
Sabalenka Undermines Gauff, Sparks Outrage
After the match, Sabalenka claimed she played “terrible tennis” and went as far as saying that if Iga Swiatek had reached the final, she would have “won for sure.” The Belarusian added, “That hurts. I’ve been playing really well and then performed like I did? That hurts.”
Critics and fans alike called out the remarks as disrespectful, especially given the scale of Gauff’s comeback and athletic dominance in the final two sets.
Gauff Fires Back: “I’m Here Sitting Here.”
When informed of Sabalenka’s comments at her own press conference, Gauff didn’t flinch.
“I mean, I don’t agree with that,” she said coolly.
“I’m here sitting here.”
She added pointedly, “Last time I played [Swiatek], I beat her in straight sets. So no, I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say. Anything can happen in tennis.”
Gauff’s Rise Continues
This victory marks Gauff’s second Grand Slam title, cementing her position as a global tennis force. She also referenced Sabalenka’s top form in recent weeks, acknowledging the world No.1 as “the toughest opponent” she could have faced.
“Aryna was playing the best tennis of her life. If anything, this was the hardest match I could have had in a final.”
Gauff’s maturity, mental strength, and refusal to be rattled have now become part of her signature on court and off it.
Sabalenka Walks It Back on Socials
Following the backlash, Sabalenka posted a clarifying message on Instagram:
“Coco was the better player yesterday… I didn’t play my best, but both things can be true. She earned that title. Respect.”
Still, the damage was done, and the tennis world has hailed Gauff’s response as iconic — a moment that elevated her not just as a champion, but as a confident voice in the sport.
