“I definitely belong where I am,” says Gauff

French Open winner, Coco Gauff, says she understands how emotional Aryna Sabalenka could’ve felt after her loss, saying she won’t dwell on snide comments.

The 21-year-old has been the talk of the town after clinching the coveted Suzanne-Lenglen cup, winning 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 to beat the Belarusian world number 1.

The win was, however, marred by the 21-year-old’s opponent’s remarks that Gauff didn’t win because she played a good game but due to her mediocre performance on court.

“She won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes, from if you look from the outside, from easy balls,” said Sabalenka.

 

In an interview following her win, Gauff said she is where she belongs.

 

Social media’s reaction to Sabalenka has been strong, with many suggesting that her comments may be racially motivated.

Aryna Sabalenka 👎🏽 #SoreLoser

— † Blessed † (@Bumpylump) June 9, 2025

Coco Gauff went on American media this morning and defended Aryna Sabalenka’s negative comments about her and said she will give her the benefit of the doubt and that Aryna was probably just emotional after the match. As always, Coco is so gracious.

— LeDerius (@LeDerius) June 9, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka has the caucacity to say Coco Gauff didn’t win #FrenchOpen because she played incredibly – No it’s because she (Aryna) made mistakes. The utter KARENGITIS. What a sore loser! pic.twitter.com/s0jibc1tEx

— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) June 9, 2025

Why drag Swatiek into it. I had some respect for Aryna now boom gone with the wind. Such a sore loser.
Coco beat her and is French Open Champ. Sabalenka go deal with it.

— G10 MaNkomo (@gerti19174) June 9, 2025

I hope Aryna Sabalenka sees this & learns from it. This is how a champion behaves after losing a big match. Grace. Gratitude. Giving thanks to everyone around him, his team & all the people at the French Open who helped make the two-week event possible. A mature, thoughtful man.

— Chris Fleming (@harvestnotes) June 9, 2025

“I’m gonna give her the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was an emotional day, emotional match.” – Coco Gauff owning Aryna Sabalenka pic.twitter.com/Rhigahr1Qc

— gemini season (@sntimentalvalue) June 9, 2025

Sabalenka has now apologised for her comments and congratulated Gauff for her win.