“I think she won the match not because she played unbelievable, but just because I made all those mistakes … like from easy balls,” Sabalenka said in her post-match media conference.
Loading
Sabalenka publicly apologized for her comments — calling them “unprofessional” and admitting she let her emotions get the better of her — and wrote a private letter to Gauff.
Reflecting on the episode, Sabalenka credited Gauff’s incredible move and admitted that she “outplayed me”, but said the experience made her stronger.
“Honestly, looking back on last year, I think I did everything right, except my behavior at the French Open,” she said.
“[After a grand slam final loss]in a day everything gets better and you understand that, “Okay, if I keep working, keep improving and improving in every part of my life, I’ll have that opportunity again”.
“Obviously I didn’t learn because the French Open was really close and I behaved worse than I did at the Australian Open. But it’s all my journey and it’s all a learning process. I believe you have to take it that way.”
Sabalenka’s introspection is on trend for a player who is constantly looking for improvement.
The four-time major champion, still chasing her first victories at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, is more than 2,000 points ahead of second-placed Iga Swiatek of Poland, who was previously heralded as someone who could become an all-time great.
Sabalenka brushes off such talk about herself and prefers to postpone the debates about inheritance until retirement.
Sabalenka will show her mettle at the Brisbane International this weekend. Credit: AP
But she was pleased with what she achieved last year as she prepares to hopefully take her tennis to another level this season.
“It was one of the most successful seasons for me, even though I missed the US Open final,” Sabalenka said.
“I think I’d still call this season one of my most successful because to me, success is consistency. I’ve always been there. I’ve been really close and it’s just the little things that were missing.” [at times]. I would try to work on that and make sure I improve on those things this 2026 season.”
Last year’s Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner alongside a dejected Alexander Zverev after beating him in the final.Credit: AP
The past few weeks have been eventful for Sabalenka, who faced Australian Nick Kyrgios in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match on a modified court and with different rules.
Kyrgios won the contest 6-3, 6-3, and the event generated significant discussion – but not all of it positive.
Swiatek was among those who said the match served as light entertainment rather than doing anything for social change or gender equality.
“The goal was just to help tennis overall, grow and show the world that a tennis event, like an exhibition, can be really great,” Sabalenka said.
Loading
“The whole world was talking about that match. Honestly, I don’t care about the negativity because whoever makes these negative comments has no idea about tennis and they took this event the wrong way. I don’t care about those people.”
Sabalenka’s Open Redemption mission hit another gear on Sunday night after she crushed in-form Marta Kostyuk to defend her title at the Brisbane International.
Sabalenkova won 6-4 6-3 to claim her fifth title in seven consecutive final appearances in Australia.
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend are sent every Monday. Subscribe to our sports newsletter.
Leave a Reply