Novak Djokovic Defends Aryna Sabalenka Over Misunderstood Post-Match Reaction Towards Coco Gauff at Roland Garros

Aryna Sabalenka was criticized for her comments on Coco Gauff after Roland Garros final.

Novak Djokovic Defends Aryna Sabalenka Over Misunderstood Post-Match Reaction Towards Coco Gauff at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka (via Tennis365)

Novak Djokovic has spoken in support of Aryna Sabalenka following criticism she received after the French Open final. Sabalenka was scrutinized for her post-match remarks about Coco Gauff’s performance.

After her loss in Paris, Sabalenka suggested that Gauff hadn’t played her best tennis. Instead, she felt her own mistakes had handed the match to the American. This comment drew backlash from some who felt she was minimizing Gauff’s accomplishment.

Djokovic, however, defended her reaction. He emphasized that emotions can run high after a tough defeat, and players may not always express themselves clearly in those moments. Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon:

Look, we all at the end of the day are human beings that have difficult emotions at the end of the day that we have to handle right after losing a big match, Grand Slam finals for example, as she did against Coco. And things happen. When you’re heightened with emotions and your blood is running hot, it’s not always easy to suppress that and put, how can I say it, diplomacy ahead. Maybe it came out in the wrong way but she didn’t mean to disrespect Coco.

He added that it’s important to understand the pressure athletes face, especially after a major final. Djokovic urged people to give players space and not take every word as a deliberate slight.

Who is Aryna Sabalenka’s first-round opponent at Wimbledon?

Former Texas A&M standout Carson Branstine has earned a spot in the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Main Draw. She secured her place after a hard-fought win over Raluca Serban in a three-set qualifying match. The victory caps a strong run through the qualifying rounds.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/We Are Tennis)

Branstine showed her resilience with back-to-back three-set wins, including one over former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu. Her tough path through the qualifiers reflects the grit and determination she’s known for on the court.

This marks Branstine’s first appearance at Wimbledon, set to take place from June 30 to July 12 in London. She faces a major test in the first round, drawing World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka as her opening opponent.

The 2024 season has already been memorable for Branstine, who played a key role in helping Texas A&M capture the NCAA national title. Riding that wave of success, she now sets her sights on the biggest stage in tennis.

Can Aryna Sabalenka break her Grand Slam duck in 2025?

Tennis arrives at Wimbledon 2025 with full momentum, following a thrilling Roland Garros that featured blockbuster finals and breakthrough performances. The grass-court major now takes center stage, steeped in tradition and excitement. As action begins at the All England Club, the women’s draw is loaded with intrigue, led by a mix of proven champions and rising stars.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (via X)

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka enters with dominant major performances this year but is still searching for a title. Her raw power and resilience make her a strong favorite to finally capture her first Wimbledon crown. Coco Gauff, fresh off her French Open win, looks to complete the Channel double. Her grass record includes a memorable debut run, and she starts against a tricky opponent in Dayana Yastremska.

Jessica Pegula continues to be one of the steadiest players on tour. She’s disciplined and tactical, though questions remain about her ability to win the biggest titles. Jasmine Paolini, last year’s finalist, returns with consistency and grit. Though not built for grass naturally, her speed and tenacity keep her in the mix, especially in doubles.

Further down the seeds, Qinwen Zheng has the talent but lacks grass-court results. Madison Keys, however, thrives on the surface and is a real threat if healthy. Young Mirra Andreeva is still finding her footing, but her potential is undeniable. If she finds her rhythm early, she could be a dangerous presence in the second week.

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