Coco Gauff was dumbstruck after beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final on Saturday, admitting she did not think she had what it takes to stop the Belarusian heavy hitter on court Philippe Chatrier.
“I didn’t think honestly I could do it,” the American world number two, who claimed her second Grand Slam title, said between tears.
The 21-year-old Gauff, who benefitted from her opponent’s 70 unforced errors, paid tribute to Sabalenka before posing for pictures with the ball kids.
“Every time we play it is a tough match for me, so congratulations. You remind me there is more to life than tennis,” she said.
“I would like to thank you guys, the crowd helped me today,” she told the 15,000 crowd who supported her throughout.
“You guys were cheering for me so hard and I don’t know what I did to deserve such support from the French crowd,” Gauff added, before dropping the lid of the Suzanne Lenglen Cup.
Sobbing Sabalenka apologises for ‘terrible’ final
Sabalenka broke down in tears and apologised for what she labelled a “terrible final”.
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.”
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com