Aryna Sabalenka clarifies controversial Coco Gauff claim: “Can’t pretend it was a great day”

Sabalenka was broken nine times during the 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 loss, winning 48 percent of her first-serve points. She also contributed 70 unforced errors, with 39 coming on the backhand side.

“You all know me… I’m always going to be honest and human in how I process these moments. I made over 70 unforced errors, so I can’t pretend it was a great day for me. But both things can be true… I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose.

During her post-match press conference, Sabalenka described her performance as “the worst final I ever played.” But the three-time major winner had also expressed a belief that Iga Swiatek would have defeated Gauff had the three-time defending champion advanced past Sabalenka in their semifinal.

“if Iga would win me another day, I think she would go out today and she would get the win,” Sabalenka declared.