'Still classy': Andy Roddick defends Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open post match reaction

Aryna Sabalenka’s behaviour after her tough loss to Coco Gauff in the Roland Garros final has sparked plenty of debate.

While some critics have been quick to question her attitude, former world number one Andy Roddick is stepping up to defend the Belarusian star.

Speaking on his podcast, Roddick praised Sabalenka’s composure in defeat, describing her as "still classy" despite the heartbreak of losing another Grand Slam final.

"Sabalenka, it’s probably the most devastated I’ve seen her outwardly post match,” Roddick said. "She always is respectful of her opponent. Imagine the disappointment when she loses that match. A second heartbreaking Grand Slam loss in a final in a row, but still goes over and gives Coco her respect, even though she was down in that ceremony, she was still classy.".

However, Roddick’s take isn’t universal. Several players, analysts, and fans expressed disappointment in Sabalenka’s behaviour, arguing that her post-match remarks and body language lacked the grace expected at such a high level.

On social media, heated debates erupted, with some defending Sabalenka’s emotional reaction as human and understandable, while others criticized what they saw as unsportsmanlike behaviour unbecoming of a world number one.

Despite the controversy, Andy Roddick’s faith in Sabalenka’s potential remains strong, especially with Wimbledon just around the corner.

The former US Open champion said: "I’m a bigger and bigger fan of Aryna’s all the time. For many reasons, and I hope… it’s tough to see the forest through the trees, but, you know, she’s gonna be your favourite going into Wimbledon...". "She’s still the favourite in any tournament she enters. Well deserved number one in the world, but this was Coco’s moment.”.

Though grass is considered Sabalenka’s least successful Grand Slam surface, she has shown flashes of brilliance, reaching the semi-finals twice in recent years (2021 and 2023). Injuries and withdrawals have limited her participation, but when fit, she has proven capable of deep runs on the lawns of the All England Club.

Sabalenka will look to put the Roland Garros disappointment behind her at the WTA 500 Berlin Open starting June 16. The event, which also features Coco Gauff, will be a key warm-up before Wimbledon and a potential rematch stage for the two stars.

Whether Sabalenka’s post-match conduct was “classy” or not remains debated, but what remains clear is that she’s one of the sport’s fiercest competitors and the battle between her and Gauff is far from over.