A tennis superstar shows remorse: Aryna Sabalenka apologizes after controversial comments about Coco Gauff.
World number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has apologized for her controversial comments about Coco Gauff after losing the French Open final.
“I absolutely regret what I said at the time,” Sabalenka said in an interview with Eurosport: “It was just completely unprofessional of me. I let my emotions get the better of me.”
Sabalenka reaches out to Gauff
Sabalenka lost to Gauff in the French Open final last Saturday 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 4-6. After the defeat, the Belarusian said in a press conference: “Coco didn’t win the match because she played outstandingly. It was because I made so many mistakes.” Sabalenka was heavily criticized for her comments.
“I wrote to Coco afterwards – not immediately, but I wrote to her recently. I wanted to apologize and make sure she knew that she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her. I never meant to attack her. I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference,” said the 27-year-old.
Both Sabalenka and Gauff are competing in the Berlin Tennis Open this week. The tournament is considered preparation for the grass court highlight at Wimbledon (June 30 to July 13).
