In the wake of Coco Gauff’s Roland Garros triumph, tennis fans and analysts have been buzzing about a comment made by Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian star suggested that if Iga Swiatek had made it to the final instead of her, the outcome might have been different—implying that Swiatek could have defeated Gauff. When asked about this remark, Coco responded with the grace, maturity, and confidence that have quickly made her a fan favorite both on and off the court.
“I don’t agree with that,” Gauff said directly. “I mean, I’m sitting here. No shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets.” Her words, though assertive, carried no hint of disrespect—just the honest self-belief of a champion who earned her moment.
She went on to highlight an important truth in the world of tennis: anything can happen. “Honestly, the way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win,” Gauff admitted. “I think she was the best person I could’ve played in the final. Her being #1 in the world, she was the best person to play.”
Gauff’s acknowledgment of Sabalenka’s strong form is a sign of her maturity and sportsmanship. She didn’t downplay Aryna’s achievements, nor did she shy away from stating her own case. “I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone,” she continued. “Obviously Iga being a champion here, it was gonna be a tough match either way.”
What makes Coco’s response even more remarkable is her honesty about the mental approach going into the final. She admitted that, if given a choice, she would have preferred to face Iga Swiatek instead of Aryna. “If you ask me honestly who I wanted to play, it was Iga,” she said. “Just because I felt Aryna was playing so good.”
Her statement doesn’t dismiss Iga’s ability—far from it. Gauff has consistently shown respect for Swiatek’s achievements and competitiveness. But her point was clear: both opponents are world-class, and no outcome is guaranteed in a Grand Slam final. “Honestly neither of them would’ve been the better shot,” she added. “But it played out how it played out and that’s why I’m here today.”
Coco’s poise in this situation shows just how far she’s come as a player and a person. At just 20, she carries herself with the mindset of a seasoned champion. Her words reflect confidence, humility, and respect for her fellow competitors. She understands the spotlight, the pressure, and the need to stay grounded in the face of it all.
In a sport where rivalries and comments can easily turn personal, Coco Gauff showed that you can stand your ground without tearing others down. Her response to the Sabalenka-Iga debate wasn’t just a defense of her victory—it was a message about belief, fairness, and the unpredictable beauty of tennis.