Imagn Images

Coco Gauff Shares Emotional Message After Loss to Aryna Sabalenka

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame | By Deblina Roy | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 9:39 PM ET

Despite a brilliant run till the Miami Open finals, the outcome wasn’t pleasant for Coco Gauff. But she made the moment bigger than any win-loss record.

The 22-year-old entered the tournament as a heavy favourite, playing in her hometown. But with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 deficit from Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff had to return without the trophy. However, her message was heavier than the cup.

“Next with my team, I don’t think with the conversations that we had earlier, this was the result we were expecting”, said Gauff. “I had a lot of joy this week. That’s something I’m taking away from this the most… just having two weeks of gratitude.”

Coco Gauff thanks her team and family after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami final:

“Next with my team, I don’t think with the conversations that we had earlier that this was the result we were expecting. Although it sucks to not come out with the bigger trophy today, I… pic.twitter.com/GzLKjIHZw2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 28, 2026

Despite the Belarusian’s dominant 1^st set, Gauff claimed the 2nd one with a tough fight. But ‘Tiger’ Sabalenka roared back in the 3^rd, breaking the American immediately in the first game. And after 2 hours and 11 minutes, her composure won.

But it was alright for Gauff, who gathered the experience and cherished all of it. And after promising to get the “big one and get to go out in Miami and celebrate” someday, Gauff praised her opponent.

Coco Gauff Lauded Aryna Sabalenka’s Prowess

The Belarusian and the American played 12 matches before this meeting and had an equal standing of 6-6. While this one counts as a decider, Gauff agreed on just how much Sabalenka brings the best out of her through competition.

“Aryna, congratulations. We’ve had many battles, many finals and, yeah, I think you push me to be a better player,” said Gauff. “You’re a great fighter, and hopefully we can play many more. I think we will.”

And the 27-year-old echoed the same sentiment, saying, “I want to start with (Coco). You’re a fighter, and you also push me so hard to be a better player, and I like our rivalry.” And these are the moments that truly go beyond the scoreboard.

This article first appeared on TheSheGotGame and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: