Tennis star Coco Gauff has opened up about her ongoing tension with fellow top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka, offering a rare and brutally honest insight into their off-court relationship. While both players are fierce competitors on the court, Gauff admitted that things between them have not always been smooth, calling the situation “very weird” in a recent interview.
Gauff, who has grown into one of the most recognizable names in tennis, said the perceived feud with Sabalenka has often been misunderstood by fans and the media. However, she didn’t shy away from confirming that something real has been simmering under the surface. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” Gauff said. “It was very weird between us for a long time. We’d play each other and not really talk. There was this tension that just never went away.”
The rivalry between Gauff and Sabalenka has intensified over the past couple of years, especially as both players have frequently faced off in high-stakes matches, including Grand Slam semifinals and finals. Their contrasting styles and fiery emotions have made for exciting matchups, but also fueled speculation about a personal grudge.
Gauff clarified that while she respects Sabalenka as an athlete, the emotional tension between them stemmed from competitive frustration and misunderstood gestures. “Sometimes when you lose to someone or feel like they’re not showing respect on court, it stays with you. And I think that happened with us a few times,” she explained.
Despite the uneasy past, Gauff also noted that things are slowly starting to improve between the two. “We’re not best friends, but we’re at a better place now than we were a year ago,” she said. “I think as we both mature and understand each other more, it’s easier to let go of the little things.”
Gauff’s candid comments come at a time when more professional athletes are being open about the mental and emotional challenges that come with competition. Her transparency reflects a broader shift in the world of sports, where rivalries are no longer just about on-court performances but also the personal dynamics behind the scenes.
Aryna Sabalenka has not publicly responded to Gauff’s latest statement, but in past interviews, she’s hinted at feeling misunderstood by fellow players. Known for her powerful game and intense demeanor, Sabalenka has often been at the center of rivalries, but rarely comments in depth about them.
As both women continue to dominate the WTA Tour, fans can expect more thrilling matches between them. Whether or not their personal relationship ever fully recovers, it’s clear that their rivalry adds another layer of drama to modern women’s tennis. And with Gauff’s growing confidence and maturity, she’s proving that she’s not afraid to speak her truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.