Aryna Sabalenka torn apart as Coco Gauff comments cause controversy

Aryna Sabalenka came under fire for her comments about Coco Gauff after the French Open final

Aryna Sabalenka has had to face scorching criticism in light of her comments about Coco Gauff after downplaying her win in the French Open final. The 21-year-old American was in scintillating form on Sunday as she defeated the world No. 1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 to claim her maiden title at Roland Garros. Sabalenka's post-match comments caused a swirl in the tennis world as she claimed if Iga Swiatek - who she knocked out in the semi-finals - had made what would have been a fourth consecutive final in Paris, she would have defeated Gauff. While the Belarusian did offer an apology on social media, it didn't leave her immune to others hitting back at her for her behaviour. It was Rennae Stubbs, the ex-coach of Serena Williams, who was one of the notable critics of Sabalenka, arguing her media comments were "so bad" regardless of her online apology that came a day later. "I love Sabalenka, but I don't know anymore," the 54-year-old said. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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"Like, it took her 24 hours after that to write an apology, essentially, on Instagram. But I'm like, girlfriend. No. That was so bad, and there's no excuses for it. Like, there's just none. No, no, no. And that's coming from me who, as I said, I've said some stuff in press. Like, you never take it away from your opponent." Gauff was made aware of Sabalenka's initial comments after hoisting the trophy and ruthlessly bit back at her opponent over her claim that Swiatek would have defeated her in the final. "I mean, I don't agree with that. I'm here sitting here," she laughed. Given she dominated four-time French Open champion Swiatek 6-1 6-1 at the Madrid Open last month, the American made sure to bring up her heavy win over the Pole, adding: "Last time I played - no shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets. Yeah, I don't think that's a fair thing to say, because anything can really happen.

Coco Gauff became the first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015

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