• Aryna Sabalenka blamed her own mistakes for losing to Coco Gauff in Paris
  • Sabalenka admitted failing to give Gauff credit was ‘completely unprofessional’ 
  • She has revealed that she reached out to Gauff to personally apologise 

By MATTHEW LAMBWELL

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that she reached out to Coco Gauff to apologise for her disparaging comments after the French Open final.

The world No1 lost in three sets and refused to give credit to champion Gauff, blaming ‘terrible’ windy conditions and her own ‘terrible’ performance. 

Sabalenka even said that, had she lost her semi-final match against Iga Swiatek, the Pole would have gone on to beat Gauff in the final.

The 27-year-old Belarusian’s comments were widely condemned in the tennis world, and she has told Eurosport Germany: “That was just completely unprofessional of me.

‘I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life. 

‘I think we all have those days when we lose control. But what I also want to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward – not immediately, but recently.

Aryna Sabalenka was beaten in the French Open final by Coco Gauff earlier this month

Aryna Sabalenka was beaten in the French Open final by Coco Gauff earlier this month

Sabalenka blamed her loss on her own mistakes rather than giving Gauff credit for her performance

Sabalenka blamed her loss on her own mistakes rather than giving Gauff credit for her performance

Sabalenka revealed she spoke to Gauff and apologised for her 'unprofessional' comments

Sabalenka revealed she spoke to Gauff and apologised for her ‘unprofessional’ comments

‘I never intended to attack her. I was super-emotional and not very smart at that press conference. I’m not necessarily grateful for what I did.

‘So I learned a lot. Above all, one thing: I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect, whether I win or lose. 

‘Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So it was a tough but very valuable lesson for me.’

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Aryna Sabalenka reveals she made personal apology to American rival Coco Gauff following her ‘completely unprofessional’ comments after French Open final loss

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