'Coco was 10x better than Sabalenka at dealing with her emotions' - Patrick Mouratoglou on why the American prevailed in Paris

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka made some controversial comments following her defeat to Coco Gauff at the 2025 French Open, leading to the World No.1 to issue an apology afterwards. However, renown coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes Sabalenka's comments were made because the Belarusian was unable to deal with some mental aspects of the game.

In a thrilling final in front of a packed Phillipe-Chatrier audience, Gauff rallied from a set down to defeat Sabalenka and lift her first Roland Garros crown. Subsequently, Sabalenka would make some inflammatory comments during her press conference, stating defending champion Iga Swiatek would have won the match were she competing against Gauff in the final.

Gauff was superior mentally, says Mouratoglou

After receiving backlash from the tennis community, with several calling her "a sore loser," Sabalenka issued an apology. However, Mouratoglou chimed in on social media soon afterwards, stating Gauff handled the pressure of being in the final better than her Belarusian opponent. The American's confidence, mental fortitude and gameplay were all at a higher level than Sabalenka's, leading to Gauff leaving Paris as the champion.

"You don't win a final of a Grand Slam with your technique," began the French coach. "You win it with your mind and your heart. Coco was superior in both.
"When she (Sabalenka) makes those comments, it means that she's trying to deny the mental aspects of the game. Coco stayed composed during the match, she was ready to fight whenever there was one little opening.
"Being able to deal with your emotions is part of what makes you victorious or not. Coco was ten times better than Sabalenka at dealing with her emotions. Her (Sabalenka) disappointment made her say these unfortunate comments, and she clearly regretted it because she made a statement afterwards."