💥 Roland-Garros FINAL DRAMA: Coco Gauff Breaks Silence on Aryna Sabalenka’s One-Month Ban
Paris, June 7, 2025 — The tennis world continues to reel from the aftermath of a fiery Roland-Garros women’s final that saw Coco Gauff defeat Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set match. What should have been a celebration of athletic excellence quickly spiraled into controversy when Sabalenka, in a tense post-match press conference, accused Gauff of being “biased” — a vague comment that left fans, players, and journalists stunned. Now, following an official investigation, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has imposed a one-month suspension on Sabalenka for conduct deemed “damaging to the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion.”
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American who claimed her first French Open title with the victory, has finally spoken out about the situation. In an emotional interview aired earlier today, Gauff addressed the controversy directly, highlighting how Sabalenka’s remarks felt deeper than simple post-match frustration. “I don’t want to be discriminated because of the colour of my skin,” Gauff said firmly. “I earned that win. I worked for it. And it’s upsetting that instead of recognizing the match we played, she questioned my integrity and made me feel like I didn’t belong.”
The ITF’s decision to suspend Sabalenka is among the strongest disciplinary actions ever taken in a Grand Slam context. In addition to the ban, Sabalenka will be required to attend mandatory diversity and inclusion training before returning to WTA competition. The ITF’s statement emphasized that there is “no place in tennis for behavior that undermines respect, equality, and fairness.” The ruling was met with broad support from tennis figures and civil rights advocates, though some of Sabalenka’s supporters have criticized the punishment as overly harsh.
Gauff, who has been celebrated not only for her on-court maturity but also her leadership on social issues, said she was saddened by how the final ended. “I love this sport. I love competing. But it shouldn’t come with this kind of disrespect,” she said. “It’s not just about me—it’s about every young player of color who watches tennis and dreams of being here. I want them to know they’re welcome, and they’re enough.”
Aryna Sabalenka has yet to issue a formal apology. Through her management team, she released a brief statement saying she was “disappointed” in the ITF’s decision and would be “exploring her legal options.” The statement made no mention of Gauff directly, nor did it attempt to clarify or retract her original comments.
As the dust begins to settle, what remains clear is that this year’s Roland-Garros final will be remembered for more than just the scoreline. It was a reminder of the challenges that still exist in the world of professional sports, and of the importance of standing up against all forms of discrimination—both overt and subtle. Coco Gauff, in her words and actions, continues to rise not only as a champion but as a symbol of strength and dignity in the face of adversity.
