Tennis-Sobbing Sabalenka apologises for 'terrible' final
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 7, 2025 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka looks dejected after losing her women's singles final against Coco Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
PARIS (Reuters) -French Open runner-up Aryna Sabalenka broke down in tears and apologised for what she labelled a "terrible final" after losing 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4 to American Coco Gauff on Saturday.
World number one Sabalenka appeared to be in the driving seat after taking a 4-1 lead in the opening set, but made a staggering total of 70 unforced errors in the match.
"This will hurt so much, especially after such a tough two seeks playing great tennis in terrible conditions," the Belarusian said as she stifled her sobs.
"Thank you my team for the support, I'm sorry for this terrible final. As always I will come back stronger," the three-time Grand Slam champion said.
"To Coco: you deserve it, you're a hard worker, a fighter."
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond)
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