Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian professional tennis player, has recently expressed regret over her remarks following her loss in the final of the French Open. During a candid interview with Webpressnews Germany, she labeled her comments made during the post-match press conference as “completely unprofessional.” After her defeat at the hands of American player Coco Gauff, Sabalenka reflected on her performance and the emotions that drove her comments, stating, “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, but because I made all those mistakes.” This admission reflects a level of humility and self-awareness that many athletes struggle to demonstrate, especially in the heat of competition.
More than a week removed from her experience on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka’s tone has shifted toward one of contrition. She acknowledged during the interview that she allowed her emotions to overwhelm her during that critical moment, which is common among competitors in high-stakes situations. “That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka said, reinforcing her recognition of the pressure athletes face when competing at the highest levels. “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,” she added, shining a light on the struggles of maintaining composure under intense scrutiny.
Addressing her reaction further, Sabalenka noted the difference between her experiences and those of others, saying, “I think we all have those days when we lose control. The difference with me is, the world is watching. I get a lot more hate for what I did than other people.” This statement underscores the additional pressures elite athletes face from public perception and social media, amplifying the consequences of their actions in ways that can be overwhelming.
In a significant act of sportsmanship, Sabalenka shared that she reached out to Gauff personally to apologize for her words following the match. She emphasized the importance of respect in sports, stating that Gauff “absolutely deserved” to win the prestigious tournament. “I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference,” she confessed, recognizing the weight of her role as a public figure and the influence her words may carry. Sabalenka’s admission that it took time to revisit her comments and understand her emotions reveals her commitment to personal growth and maturity, especially after reflecting on her past experiences in finals.
As she prepares for her next challenge at Wimbledon, Sabalenka is keenly aware of her journey in the sport. Although she has secured three Grand Slam singles titles, she has yet to win at the All England Club, with semi-final appearances in both 2021 and 2023 marking her best showings. “We all have the same goal: to win the tournament,” she stated, subtly acknowledging the fierce competitive spirit that permeates the sport and the aspirations she holds for herself during the upcoming Grand Slam event.
Sabalenka emphasized the evolution of her mental fortitude, noting, “I’ve built a lot of self-confidence over the years, but at the same time, I’ve realized it has nothing to do with self-confidence.” Instead, she underscored the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, declaring, “It’s about how willing you are to go out on the court and compete, even when things aren’t going so well.” This statement encapsulates the essence of competitive sports, where the mental aspect often plays a more pivotal role than physical prowess alone.
In preparation for Wimbledon, which will unfold at the end of June, Sabalenka is making the most of her limited time on grass by playing in the Berlin Open. She acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the grass surface, stating that there are not many opportunities to “feel the grass” before the prestigious tournament begins. Her campaign in Berlin kicks off on Wednesday, where she’ll face Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova, marking an important step as she builds momentum toward her grass-court aspirations.
With her history and experiences now informing her approach to competition, Aryna Sabalenka is poised to take on Wimbledon with the lessons learned from her past. She embodies the spirit of a competitor who, despite setbacks, is continually striving for excellence and seeking to demonstrate respect for the game and her opponents. As the 2025 tennis season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe her journey and potential in the latest Grand Slam series.
