World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka expressed her conviction that Iga Swiatek would have emerged victorious over Coco Gauff in the recent Roland Garros final. Sabalenka herself had defeated Swiatek, the Polish player, in a tough semi-final match with a score of 7/6(1), 4/6, 6/0. However, she was subsequently defeated by Gauff in the final, 7/6(3), 2/6, 4/6.
Swiatek is notably a four-time champion of the French Open.
When asked if the final loss was particularly difficult because it was a Grand Slam final, Sabalenka replied:
Yes, it is painful. Especially considering how well you played throughout the entire tournament leading up to it, even against very challenging opponents like the Olympic champion [Zheng Qinwen] and Iga [Swiatek]. And then you step onto the court for the final – and you play like *that*.
I believe that if Iga had defeated me, she would have come out today and claimed the trophy. So yes, it`s painful. It truly is painful. I played so well during the tournament, and then in such a crucial match, you go out and play like this. It hurts.
