'I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say': Coco Gauff responds to Sabalenka's controversial comments

Coco Gauff has responded to the controversial remarks made by Aryna Sabalenka after the Roland Garros final. The Belarusian had claimed that if she had lost her semifinal to Iga Swiatek, the Pole would have then won the title on Saturday against the American.

Sabalenka displayed her full frustration after the match, stating it was the worst final she had ever played and her worst tennis in months. "She won the match — not because she played incredible — just because I made all of those mistakes,” the Belarusian asserted in her press conference. “I don't know. If Iga would [beat] me another day, I think she would go out today and get the win."

Sabalenka's words caused a stir in the tennis world and drew several criticisms. However, Gauff chose not to partake in the criticism, simply stating her disagreement with the world No. 1. "I don’t agree with that. I mean, I’m sitting here. No shade to Iga or anything, but I played her and I won in straight sets. I don’t think that’s a fair thing to say. Anything can really happen."

"Honestly, the way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win. I think she was the best person I could’ve played in the final. Her being #1 in the world, she was the best person to play. I think I got the hardest matchup just if you go off stats alone."

"Obviously, Iga being a champion here, it was gonna be a tough match either way. But yeah, regardless of who I played, I think I had a good shot to win, and I definitely had that belief."

The American mentioned that if asked before the final, she would have preferred to play Swiatek, considering the Pole had been experiencing more doubts about her level in recent months. "If you ask me honestly who I wanted to play, it was Iga. Just because I felt Aryna was playing so good. Obviously, Iga is a tough opponent too. Honestly, neither of them would’ve been the better shot. But it played out how it played out and that’s why I’m here today."