Aryna Sabalenka is not one to keep her emotions hidden.
The Belarusian superstar lets her big game do most of the talking, but she’s a boisterous force on court, which has made her one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
Sometimes, Sabalenka’s emotions are her best friend, allowing her to create an almost overwhelming environment for her opponent.
But other times, they can be her undoing, like we saw in her 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 defeat to American Coco Gauff in the French Open Final on Saturday.
The world No. 1 was shot out of a cannon in the match, storming out to a 4-1 lead in the first set, but she came unglued from that point and was never able to get back in control.
Gauff, meanwhile, remained a stoic figure, taking advantage of her opponent’s turbulent performance.
Sabalenka had a stunning 70 unforced errors to Gauff’s 30.
This was especially apparent in the final set, when Sabalenka broke Gauff’s serve to get the match back on level terms, only to get broken at love in the next game.
It was all Gauff from that point forward.
Sabalenka did not mince words in her post-match interview on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“Honestly, guys,” Sabalenka said while fighting back tears. “This all hurts so much.”
Sabalenka had only dropped one set in the French Open leading up to Saturday’s defeat.
She will keep her spot atop the WTA rankings, with Gauff sitting as World No. 2.
The three-time Grand Slam champion was able to compose herself for the next minute or so, congratulating Gauff and her team on a well-earned victory, but she welled up again when she turned to her team in the crowd before delivering the most memorable line of the post-match address.
“Thank you to my team for your support. I am sorry for this terrible final. Anyways, thank you, everyone, thank you, as always, I will come back stronger.”
Sabalenka was greeted with warm applause throughout the address.
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