Watch: 'This one hurts so much': Aryna Sabalenka in tears after heartbreaking French Open final loss to Coco Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka previously lost to Coco Gauff at the US Open in perhaps her most heartbreaking defeat but this potentially comes close after she was downed in three sets at the French Open. As expected, she was emotional afterwards.

Sabalenka was defeated 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in favour of the American who picks up her first title of the year and a first since the WTA Finals in 2024.

Sabalenka has been runner-up in both Grand Slams though this year despite being the imperious World No.1 who in lieu of Iga Swiatek having any semblance of a difference to a surface she dominates was the favourite for the title.

Going 4-1 up in the opening set, she looked likely to continue that but she fell apart with an error strewn display which Gauff took full advantage of. She has not played Wimbledon in two of the last three years either so it will be interesting how she plays there.

But she showed her emotion not only by crying on court in receiving her runners-up trophy but also her on court speech as she laid bare the heartbreak.

“Honestly guys this one hurts so much. Especially after such a tough two weeks. Playing great tennis and then in these terrible conditions to show such terrible tennis in the final, it really hurts. But it’s ok," said Sabalenka.

"Anyway, Coco congrats. In these tough conditions, you were a better player than me. Well done on a great two weeks. Congrats on the 2nd slam. You’re a fighter. Hard worker. Congrats you and your team.”