PARIS — Aryna Sabalenka didn’t mince words after her crushing defeat in the 2024 French Open final, calling it "the worst final I ever played" and admitting it "hurt to show such terrible tennis" against a dominant Coco Gauff. The Belarusian world No. 2, known for her explosive power and relentless aggression, unraveled in a match that saw her commit 39 unforced errors and struggle with her signature serve.
Sabalenka, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament—dropping just one set en route to the final—was expected to challenge Gauff fiercely. Instead, she faltered under the pressure of her first Roland Garros final, losing 6-3, 6-1 in just 68 minutes. "I couldn’t find my rhythm, my serve was off, and Coco was just too good today," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "It’s painful because I know I’m capable of so much better, but today was a disaster."
A Breakdown of Sabalenka’s Struggles
The match statistics painted a grim picture for Sabalenka. Her usually reliable first serve, which had been a weapon throughout the tournament, deserted her at the worst possible moment. She landed just 48% of her first serves, winning only 56% of those points. Gauff, meanwhile, capitalized ruthlessly, breaking Sabalenka five times and converting 70% of her break-point opportunities.
Sabalenka’s frustration was evident as the match progressed. She smashed her racket after a particularly egregious double fault in the second set, earning a code violation. "I lost my cool, and that’s on me," she admitted. "But when nothing is working, it’s hard to stay composed."
Key Factors in Sabalenka’s Collapse
Several elements contributed to Sabalenka’s uncharacteristic performance:
- Serve Woes: Sabalenka’s serve, normally a strength, became a liability. She hit 7 double faults and won just 42% of her second-serve points.
- Unforced Errors: Her aggressive style backfired, with 39 unforced errors—nearly triple Gauff’s 14.
- Mental Fatigue: Sabalenka had played three grueling three-set matches in the lead-up to the final, including a semifinal battle against Elena Rybakina.
Gauff’s Masterclass
While Sabalenka struggled, Gauff delivered a near-flawless performance. The 20-year-old American showcased her improved consistency and tactical intelligence, mixing powerful groundstrokes with deft drop shots to keep Sabalenka off balance. "Coco played smart," Sabalenka conceded. "She didn’t give me any free points, and I couldn’t find a way in."
Gauff’s victory marked her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open triumph, and solidified her status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. "I knew I had to stay patient and take my chances when they came," Gauff said. "Aryna’s a fighter, so I’m proud of how I handled the pressure."
Sabalenka’s Road Ahead
Despite the disappointment, Sabalenka remains optimistic about her future at Roland Garros. "This isn’t the end for me here," she insisted. "I’ll learn from this and come back stronger. Clay isn’t my best surface, but I’m improving every year."
Her focus now shifts to Wimbledon, where she reached the semifinals in 2023. Sabalenka’s power game is better suited to grass, and she’ll be eager to redeem herself. "I’ll take a few days to reset, then get back to work," she said. "This loss hurts, but it won’t define me."
Reactions from the Tennis World
The tennis community was quick to weigh in on Sabalenka’s uncharacteristic performance. Former world No. 1 Martina Navratilova noted, "Aryna looked out of sorts from the first game. Credit to Coco for exposing those weaknesses, but this wasn’t the Sabalenka we’re used to seeing."
Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, acknowledged the mental toll of the match. "She’s usually so mentally tough, but today was an off day. We’ll analyze what went wrong and make sure it doesn’t happen again."
Conclusion: A Humbling Experience
Sabalenka’s candid assessment of her performance—"terrible tennis"—underscores the high standards she sets for herself. While the loss stings, it’s a reminder of the fine margins in elite tennis. For Gauff, it was a career-defining win; for Sabalenka, a humbling lesson. "I’ll use this as fuel," she vowed. "Next time, I’ll be ready."