## Aryna Sabalenka’s Regretful Reflection on French Open Final Defeat
In a candid post-match interview, **Aryna Sabalenka** didn’t hold back her dissatisfaction with her performance during the French Open final against **Coco Gauff**. Describing it as **“the worst final”** she has ever played, Sabalenka’s raw honesty reveals the emotional intricacies of high-stakes tennis.
### A Gripping Encounter: Gauff’s Victory
The match ended with Gauff triumphing 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, marking her second Grand Slam title. This victory made Gauff the **third American woman** to win the singles title at the French Open since 1990, joining the ranks of legends like **Serena Williams** and **Maria Sharapova**. It was also the first French Open women’s singles final featuring the two highest-ranked players since 2013.
### Sabalenka’s Post-Match Honest Assessment
In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka, now the world No. 1, couldn’t disguise her disappointment. **“It was really honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in the last, I don’t know how many months,”** she lamented. The conditions, she argued, were **“terrible,”** and Gauff handled them more adeptly.
#### The Challenge of Windy Conditions
With the roof left open, both players faced significant windy challenges that disrupted crucial rallies. Gauff’s higher margin game suited these conditions better than Sabalenka’s flatter shots.
**“I think it was more windy,”** said Sabalenka, reflecting on how emotions and conditions combined to hinder her performance. **“Today, I didn’t handle myself quite well mentally.”**
#### A Learning Experience
The Belarusian recognized her mistakes, emphasizing the need to **“step back and learn”** from this experience. **“I cannot keep doing the same mistake,”** Sabalenka noted, regretting her repeated failures against Gauff at critical moments in major tournaments.
### Back-to-Back Grand Slam Defeats: A Tough Pill to Swallow
This latest setback marks Sabalenka’s second consecutive defeat in a Grand Slam final, having previously lost to **Madison Keys** at the Australian Open. Facing Gauff, who has now bested her twice on the Grand Slam stage, is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
### What’s Next for Sabalenka?
Following her disappointing loss, Sabalenka looks to regroup as she prepares for the upcoming **WTA event in Berlin**, set to commence on June 16.
### Conclusion: A Champion’s Resolve
Despite the setbacks, Aryna Sabalenka’s resilience shines through her words. As she prepares to return to the court, her commitment to growth and improvement in the face of adversity showcases the true spirit of a champion.
#### Latest French Open Insights
For a deeper dive into the recent tournament and its implications, explore these articles:
– [Coco Gauff defeats Aryna Sabalenka to become the third American woman to win the French Open since 1990](https://www.tennis365.com/news/coco-gauff-ends-aryna-sabalenkas-grand-slam-streak-third-american-woman-win-french-open)
– [Expert analysis of Gauff’s victory by Chris Evert](https://www.tennis365.com/news/chris-everts-verdict-on-coco-gauffs-us-open-triumph)
Stay tuned as we follow Aryna Sabalenka’s journey and her pursuit of redemption on the court!
