Coco Gauff Triumphs at French Open Amid Controversy with Aryna Sabalenka

Coco Gauff Claims Her First French Open Title

Coco Gauff, the newly crowned champion of the French Open women's singles, responded to Aryna Sabalenka's comments suggesting that Iga Swiatek would have won the title had she not been eliminated earlier in the tournament.

Gauff secured her first Roland Garros title by overcoming Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match at Court Philippe-Chatrier. After losing the first set, the American rallied back to win, marking a historic moment as she became the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.

This victory also marks Gauff's second Grand Slam title, following her win at the US Open in 2023, where she again defeated Sabalenka in the final.

Sabalenka's Comments Spark Controversy

Despite her loss, Aryna Sabalenka stirred controversy by downplaying Gauff's achievement, claiming that Iga Swiatek would have triumphed had she defeated Sabalenka in the semifinals.

Sabalenka expressed her frustration during a press conference, stating, "That hurts. Especially when I've been playing really great tennis during the whole week."

She added, "A lot of tough opponents - Iga. I think if Iga would have beaten me, she would go out today and she would get the win."

Sabalenka's Path to the Final

In the semifinals, Aryna Sabalenka faced Iga Swiatek, winning the match in three sets. After taking the first set, she lost the second but dominated the third set, winning 6-0 to secure her place in the final against Gauff.

Gauff's Confident Response

Coco Gauff, who has maintained a low profile regarding controversies, responded to Sabalenka's remarks by referencing her own straight-sets victory over Swiatek at the Madrid Open. Gauff expressed her confidence in facing either opponent in the final.

"I mean, I don't agree with that. I'm sitting here with the trophy. No shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets in Madrid. I don't think that's a fair thing to say, because anything can happen," Gauff stated.

She further mentioned, "To be honest, if you'd asked me who I wanted to play, it was Iga, just because I felt Aryna was playing so well. But regardless of who I faced, I believed I had a good chance to win. I definitely had that belief."

Gauff's Impressive French Open Journey

Coco Gauff's performance at the French Open was remarkable, as she only dropped three sets throughout the tournament, demonstrating her resilience and tactical prowess on her way to lifting the Suzanne-Lenglen Cup.