ARYNA Sabalenka has issued an apology to Coco Gauff for her remarks after the French Open final.
An emotional Sabalenka, 27, was beaten by the 21-year-old American in Paris.
And Belarus-born star Sabalenka made some controversial comments after the 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 win for Gauff.
She said it “hurt to show such terrible tennis” and labeled the match “the worst final I ever played.”
Sabalenka added, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible.
“Just because I made all of those mistakes.”
The comments sparked criticism from some that she was being disrespectful to Gauff.
Sabalenka tried to clarify her remarks on Instagram after a backlash.
But in an interview with Eurosport Germany, she revealed she had reached out to Gauff.
“That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka said.
“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, to make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her.”
“I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference.”
“I’m not necessarily grateful for what I did.
“It took me a while to go back and think about it, to approach it with open eyes, and to understand.”
Sabalenka was also beaten by Gauff in the 2023 US Open final.
The title in Paris, France was the American’s second slam to add to that crown in New York.
Sabalenka said on Instagram a day after the Paris final, “Yesterday was a tough one.
“Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win.
“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.
“But both things can be true.
“I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.”
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