Coco Gauff Makes Powerful Wimbledon Statement as Aryna Sabalenka Firestorm Fades

Right after the final in Paris, things got a bit tense when Aryna Sabalenka lost to Coco Gauff with a score of 6–7(5), 6–2, 6–4. During her post-match press conference, the world No. 1 faced some tough criticism for saying her loss was more about her own mistakes than Gauff’s performance. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible,” Sabalenka said after her defeat. “Just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls.” The Belarusian star went on to add that if Iga Swiatek had made it to the final instead of her, Swiatek would have taken the win against Gauff. Controversial? That doesn’t even begin to cover it, with criticism coming in from all corners of the tennis world.

But then she walked her comments back in a social media post. “Yesterday was a tough one. Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” Sabalenka shared on Instagram on June 8. “She was the better player yesterday, and I want to give her the credit she earned. You all know me… I’m always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. I made over 70 unforced errors, so I can’t pretend it was a great day for me.”

Gauff later reacted to that statement, standing up for her own credentials and brushing off Sabalenka’s hypothetical claim about Swiatek, saying, “I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m here sitting here [as the champion]. No shade to Iga or anything, but last time I played her I won in straight sets. I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.”

A lot of pushback led to a change. During a press conference with Eurosport at the Berlin Open Sabalenka further revealed, “But what I also want to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward — not immediately, but recently. I wanted to apologise and make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her. I never intended to attack her.”

So, after that wild ride of emotions during the French Open final and all the heated exchanges, it looks like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka have well and truly buried the hatchet. They caught fans off guard by having a fun, playful moment on Centre Court at Wimbledon. The official Instagram of Wimbledon posted a video of the world No. 1 and No. 2 grooving together to C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”. And clearly there’s no hard feelings between the two.

That catchy clip, paired with a lively ’90s tune, showed everyone around the world that after a tense final, there was plenty of laughter and a spirit of sportsmanship to go around. It’s a moment that marks the end of their French Open stress and kicks off a Wimbledon tournament on a fresh start. But Gauff, who doesn’t particularly love the grass, has already been handed a tough draw.

Coco Gauff’s path might collide with another rival

Jessica Pegula is gearing up for an exciting matchup with her well-known rival Coco Gauff as Wimbledon’s draw takes shape. It looks like we might be in for an exciting semifinal match, with Pegula set to face off against the world No. 2. The tennis star is coming in hot after winning their second Grand Slam title at the French Open! This upcoming matchup really spices up Pegula’s campaign, making her think about not just her own game, but also the strong momentum Gauff brings to the grass courts of SW19.

Gauff has been in the spotlight lately, especially after her impressive comeback against Aryna Sabalenka at Roland-Garros—6–7(5), 6–2, 6–4. However, her grass court performances haven’t been as strong, and she faced an early first-round exit in Berlin. “It was a tough one today but happy to be back on court. Tried my best to adjust with the quick turnaround but it wasn’t enough. as always, I’m learning as I go so I hope to do better next time. Thank you Berlin for the short but sweet visit, I’ll come back stronger next year and I wish I could give this kit some more screen time as it’s definitely one of my favs but I’m excited to get some more practices in to be ready for Wimbledon. see you guys soon!” Gauff wrote on her Instagram after the loss.

For Pegula, this situation brings a mix of caution and potential: Gauff has definitely shown she can handle the pressure and come out on top, but there have been times when she’s struggled a bit on grass too. Most recently at the Berlin Open. And with Pegula storming her way into the final of the Bad Homburg Open, it looks like momentum may be on her side this time. If they might cross paths later in the tournament, it will make for an exciting showdown that could shape Pegula’s quest for Wimbledon glory.