Audio By Carbonatix
Aryna Sabalenka says she wrote to Coco Gauff to apologise for her "completely unprofessional" remarks after the American beat her in the French Open final.
World number one Sabalenka put in an error-strewn performance in a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 loss to Gauff earlier this month.
The Belarusian said afterwards it was the "worst final I ever played", adding: "I think she won the match not because she played incredible [but] just because I made all of those mistakes."
Speaking 10 days on from the Paris final, Sabalenka said she "absolutely regretted" her remarks.
"That was just completely unprofessional of me. I let my emotions get the better of me," the 27-year-old told Eurosport Germany., external
"I'm just a human being who's still learning in life. I think we all have those days when we lose control.
"I wrote to Coco afterwards - not immediately, but recently."
Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, has lost both of the major finals she has reached this year.
She lost to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, where she was two-time defending champion, before the defeat by Gauff.
She committed 70 unforced errors against Gauff, one of the best defenders on the women's tour, and struggled to keep her composure.
"I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference," Sabalenka added.
"It took me a while to revisit it, to approach it with open eyes and to understand.
"I realised a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals? I kept getting so emotional.
"So it was a tough but very instructive lesson for me."
Sabalenka begins her grass-court season at the Berlin Open, where she is the top seed, before Wimbledon gets under way on 30 June.
Latest Stories
-
Zambia scraps taxes on Fugu from Ghana for personal use following social media drama
42 minutes -
Gunfire silences prosperity as PLO Lumumba warns of ‘bleeding’ African continent
2 hours -
African Leaders must shift from speeches to action – P.L.O Lumumba
3 hours -
Ace Ankomah demands radical overhaul of Ghana’s science and innovation sector
3 hours -
Trump signs executive order threatening tariffs for countries trading with Iran
3 hours -
From Hollywood to the homeland: Why African countries are courting black American stars
3 hours -
Ambulance service slams ‘taxi transfer’ of newborn as viral negligence claims debunked
4 hours -
High stakes in Ayawaso East as NDC delegates head to the polls today
4 hours -
Youth unemployment is the biggest threat to Africa – Gabby
4 hours -
Minority demands urgent Finance Minister summons as ‘Agbogbloshie’ prices ignite parliamentary clash
5 hours -
Baba Jamal’s highest will be 38% in Ayawaso East NDC primary – Mussa Dankwah
6 hours -
Stranded beans and staggering debts: Ghana’s cocoa sector faces systemic crisis
6 hours -
Chief Justice sets up special courts for corruption and galamsey
6 hours -
Airport renaming and inflation trends to take centre stage on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight this Saturday
7 hours -
Ghana losing long-term investment capital over absence of Limited Partnerships Law – GVCA CEO
8 hours
