{"id":54259,"date":"2025-06-08T02:50:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T02:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54259"},"modified":"2025-06-08T02:50:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T02:50:31","slug":"no-shade-to-iga-swiatek-coco-gauff-issues-firm-response-to-aryna-sabalenkas-unfair-claim-after-her-french-open-triumph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54259","title":{"rendered":"“No shade to Iga Swiatek” – Coco Gauff issues firm response to Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘unfair’ claim after her French Open triumph"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Coco Gauff has shared a firm response to Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial claim that Iga Swiatek would’ve defeated the American in the 2025 French Open final. Gauff made it clear why she disagreed with the Belarusian’s opinion with a strongly worded statement.<\/p>\n

Gauff displayed her impressive resilience in the tense French Open final, securing a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 comeback victory. On the other hand, Sabalenka struggled to produce her best level, racking up 70 unforced errors and later apologizing for her “terrible” performance in the match.<\/p>\n

Aryna Sabalenka’s\u00a0fr<\/a>ustration was also evident\u00a0in her post-match press conference, as she claimed that if Iga Swiatek had defeated her in the semifinals, she would’ve gone on to triumph over Gauff in the title clash.<\/p>\n

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WATCH: Coco Gauff has Iga Swiatek-like mishap with French Open trophy, hilariously apologizes after amusing moment<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“That hurts. Especially when you\u2019ve been playing really good tennis all week. If Iga [Swiatek] had beaten me the other day, I think she would have gone out today and gotten the win,” Sabalenka said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

After hearing the World No. 1’s remarks from a reporter, Coco Gauff quickly pointed out that she had claimed a clinical 6-1, 6-1 win over Iga Swiatek in their recent Madrid Open clash. As such, the American felt that Sabalenka’s assessment was unfair.<\/p>\n

Gauff also argued that Aryna Sabalenka was the toughest opponent she could’ve faced in the final since the World No. 1 had been the favorite based on her strong run of form recently.<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t agree with that. I mean, I\u2019m sitting here and last time I played… No shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a fair thing to say because anything can really happen,” Coco Gauff said in her press conference.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Honestly, the way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win. So, I think she was the best person I could\u2019ve played in the final. Her being No. 1 in the world, she was the best person to play. I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone,” she added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sabalenka also\u00a0faced backlash\u00a0from tennis fans for suggesting that Iga Swiatek would’ve emerged victorious against Coco Gauff in the French Open final.<\/p>\n

“Regardless of who I played, I think I had a good shot to win” – Coco Gauff defends against Aryna Sabalenka’s remarks<\/h2>\n

In response to Aryna Sabalenka’s remarks,\u00a0Coco Gauff\u00a0expressed faith in her ability to clinch her maiden French Open title regardless of which player she faced in the final.<\/p>\n

“Obviously Iga being a champion here, it was gonna be a tough match either way. But yeah, regardless of who I played, I think I had a good shot to win and I definitely had that belief,” Gauff said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The 21-year-old also admitted that she would’ve liked to face\u00a0Iga Swiatek\u00a0in the final and explained the reasons for her preference.<\/p>\n

“If you ask me honestly who I wanted to play, it was Iga. Just because I felt Aryna was playing so good and she was. Obviously Iga is a tough opponent too. Honestly neither of them would\u2019ve been the better shot. But it played out how it played out and that\u2019s why I\u2019m here today,” she added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Aryna Sabalenka also\u00a0came under fire\u00a0from Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, who lambasted the Belarusian over her “rude” comments after losing to Coco Gauff in the French Open final.<\/p>\n

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Coco Gauff has shared a firm response to Aryna Sabalenka’s controversial claim that Iga Swiatek would’ve defeated the American in the 2025 French Open final. 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