Aryna Sabalenka called her loss to Coco Gauff in the French Open “the worst final” she has ever played after an error-strewn display on Saturday dashed her hopes of a fourth Grand Slam title.
World number one Sabalenka won the opening set on a blustery day in Paris but watched the trophy slip from her grasp as she made a tournament-worst 70 unforced errors in tricky conditions.
The 27-year-old suffered her second Grand Slam final defeat in a row after losing in Australia, with Gauff triumphing 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-4 to capture her second major.
“It was really honestly the worst tennis I’ve played in the last I don’t know how many months,” said Sabalenka.
“Conditions were terrible, and she simply was better in these conditions than me. I think it was the worst final I ever played.”
Gauff’s first Grand Slam title also came at the expense of Sabalenka — at the 2023 US Open, with the American fighting back from a set down on that occasion as well.
Sabalenka raced into a 4-1 lead and eventually won a tie-break to pocket the first set Saturday, but Gauff adjusted better to the gusty winds on a gloomy afternoon.
“I think she won the match not because she played incredible; just because I made all of those mistakes,” said Sabalenka.
“I think I was overemotional. I think today I didn’t really handle myself quite well mentally, I would say.”
“Sometimes that happens, you know? You just wake up, and you don’t feel your best and another player goes for whatever and it works, and for you nothing is working,” she added.
“I guess today wasn’t the day.”
Sabalenka was attempting to become the only current women’s player with titles at three of the four Grand Slam events.
READ ALSO: Sinner Ends Djokovic Record Bid, To Face Alcaraz In French Open Final
Greek island and tequila
winner US Coco Gauff (R) cheers Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at the end of their women’s singles final match on day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
But after seeing her bid for a third straight Australian Open crown ended by Madison Keys in January, Sabalenka slid to another painful loss on the clay.
“I definitely have to, you know, step back and learn something, because I cannot keep doing the same mistake,” she said.
“It’s the worst match I’ve played in the last couple of months. It’s just a joke. I cannot do that anymore in the finals.
“I wouldn’t care if I would play like that in, I don’t know, fourth round or quarter-finals, but in the final of a Grand Slam… it’s a bit not right.”
Sabalenka was full of confidence after knocking out Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and then ending Iga Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros.
But she couldn’t deliver when it counted most, as Gauff avenged her loss to Sabalenka in last month’s Madrid final.
“It just hurts. Honestly hurts. I’ve been playing really well, and then in the last match, go out there and perform like I did, that hurts.”
Sabalenka revealed her plans for a quick break in Greece, to help her switch off and reset before preparing for the transition to grass and Wimbledon.
“I already have a flight booked to Mykonos and alcohol, sugar. I just need couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world… and this crazy thing that happened today,” she said.
“Tequila, gummy bears, and I don’t know, swimming, being like the tourist for couple of days.”
Sabalenka missed Wimbledon last year due to a shoulder injury but has reached the semi-finals in her last two appearances.
She did not compete in 2022 either after the tournament banned Russian and Belarusian players because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged he was “another generation” to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal but said Sunday’s Nations League final was more than just a battle between the duo.
The final in Munich has been framed as a showdown between veteran Ronaldo, 40, one of the game’s biggest names, and 17-year-old Yamal, the most exciting young talent in world football.
Ronaldo scored the winner to send Portugal past Germany into the final and Yamal was named man-of-the-match after bagging a brace in Spain’s wild 5-4 semi-final win over France.
Ronaldo however said the focus on the two individuals was overblown, calling Spain “maybe the best national team in the world”.
“There are different generations, one is coming in and another is exiting the stage. If you want to see me as another generation, then that’s OK.
“When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that’s not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it’s one team versus another team.”
“You’ve been talking about Lamine a lot and you’re right to do so because he’s very good,” Ronaldo told journalists, adding “but I’d like to talk about the team.
“They’ve got Nico Williams, great midfielders like Pedri and their coach (Luis) de la Fuente is very good, very strong, very disciplined.”
Portugal last beat their Iberian neighbours in a competitive fixture 21 years ago, in a match which Ronaldo started.
Like Yamal, Ronaldo burst onto the scene at a young age.
Aged just 18, Ronaldo impressed so much for boyhood side Sporting in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in a friendly in Lisbon that the English club decided to buy him, bringing him to Old Trafford less than a week later.
READ ALSO: Ballon d’Or Should Go To Champions League Winner — Ronaldo
‘Relaxed and in control’
Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Germany and Portugal in Munich, southern Germany on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER / AFP)
Like a young Ronaldo, Yamal has consistently impressed since bursting onto the scene, winning a league and cup double with Barcelona this season after lifting the Euro 2024 title in Germany last summer.
The Portuguese veteran asked media to allow the teenager to grow and improve without pressure, reminding them the Spanish star “with funny hair” was just “three years older than my son”.
“The kid has been doing very well, but what I ask is for you to let him grow, not put him under pressure. For the good of football, we need to let him grow in his own way and enjoy the talent he has.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal was “only 17, but very mature for his age. Well-prepared, intelligent — he lives life as if it’s all normal, and that’s what we want for him”.
De la Fuente said the national side were “trying to walk alongside (Yamal) in his education,” but added “you’d be surprised, shocked, how calm he is.
“He’s special. For some people, this would be a situation of maximum stress. But for him, he’s relaxed, he’s in control — he masters the situation.”
The coach also took time to praise Ronaldo, calling him “a legend in football and an example of the values I like: effort, work rate, sacrifice, getting better every day and never letting your guard down.
“Portugal are led by a footballer who will go down in history with an indelible legacy.”
Both Spain and Portugal have already won the Nations League. Spain are the current champions from their win in 2023, while Portugal won the inaugural tournament back in 2019.
Spain have won 16 and drawn two of their past 18 fixtures — and have not lost a competitive match since March 2023.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal told reporters his side “do not think we are better than anyone,” but “we trust ourselves 100 percent and know we can compete in every game.
“We’ve shown that over the years. Our level is very high.”
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged he was “another generation” to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal but said Sunday’s Nations League final was more than just a battle between the duo.
The final in Munich has been framed as a showdown between veteran Ronaldo, 40, one of the game’s biggest names, and 17-year-old Yamal, the most exciting young talent in world football.
Ronaldo scored the winner to send Portugal past Germany into the final and Yamal was named man-of-the-match after bagging a brace in Spain’s wild 5-4 semi-final win over France.
Ronaldo however said the focus on the two individuals was overblown, calling Spain “maybe the best national team in the world”.
“There are different generations, one is coming in and another is exiting the stage. If you want to see me as another generation, then that’s OK.
“When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that’s not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it’s one team versus another team.”
“You’ve been talking about Lamine a lot and you’re right to do so because he’s very good,” Ronaldo told journalists, adding “but I’d like to talk about the team.
“They’ve got Nico Williams, great midfielders like Pedri and their coach (Luis) de la Fuente is very good, very strong, very disciplined.”
Portugal last beat their Iberian neighbours in a competitive fixture 21 years ago, in a match which Ronaldo started.
Like Yamal, Ronaldo burst onto the scene at a young age.
Aged just 18, Ronaldo impressed so much for boyhood side Sporting in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in a friendly in Lisbon that the English club decided to buy him, bringing him to Old Trafford less than a week later.
READ ALSO: Ballon d’Or Should Go To Champions League Winner — Ronaldo
‘Relaxed and in control’
Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Germany and Portugal in Munich, southern Germany on June 4, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER / AFP)
Like a young Ronaldo, Yamal has consistently impressed since bursting onto the scene, winning a league and cup double with Barcelona this season after lifting the Euro 2024 title in Germany last summer.
The Portuguese veteran asked media to allow the teenager to grow and improve without pressure, reminding them the Spanish star “with funny hair” was just “three years older than my son”.
“The kid has been doing very well, but what I ask is for you to let him grow, not put him under pressure. For the good of football, we need to let him grow in his own way and enjoy the talent he has.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal was “only 17, but very mature for his age. Well-prepared, intelligent — he lives life as if it’s all normal, and that’s what we want for him”.
De la Fuente said the national side were “trying to walk alongside (Yamal) in his education,” but added “you’d be surprised, shocked, how calm he is.
“He’s special. For some people, this would be a situation of maximum stress. But for him, he’s relaxed, he’s in control — he masters the situation.”
The coach also took time to praise Ronaldo, calling him “a legend in football and an example of the values I like: effort, work rate, sacrifice, getting better every day and never letting your guard down.
“Portugal are led by a footballer who will go down in history with an indelible legacy.”
Both Spain and Portugal have already won the Nations League. Spain are the current champions from their win in 2023, while Portugal won the inaugural tournament back in 2019.
Spain have won 16 and drawn two of their past 18 fixtures — and have not lost a competitive match since March 2023.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal told reporters his side “do not think we are better than anyone,” but “we trust ourselves 100 percent and know we can compete in every game.
“We’ve shown that over the years. Our level is very high.”
Coco Gauff won the French Open showpiece on Saturday to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the second time in a dramatic victory.
After also defeating Sabalenka at the US Open in 2023, the second-ranked American fought hard to win a 6-7 (5 / 7), 6-2, 6-4 victory and her second major title.
Sabalenka defeated Iga Swiatek in Roland Garros over the course of two hours and 38 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier, making more than up for her emotional 2022 final defeat.
After being defeated by Madison Keys at the Australian Open in January, Sabalenka lost to Madison Keys for the second time in a row in the Grand Slam final.
Aryna Sabalenka (C), a member of the Belarusian tennis team, is standing next to French Open champion Justine Henin (L), with French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton (L), and former Belgian tennis player Justine Henin (L). (Photo by Alain JOCARD/AFP)
Sabalenka made 70 unforced errors in windy conditions, which was a match that resembled Gauff’s victory at Flushing Meadows two years ago, while Sabalenka made another set-rebound.
After winning the US Open last year and the following Australian Open titles back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, Belarusian Sabalenka wanted to become the only female player in the world to win three of the four Grand Slam events.
Gauff ended up 6-5 ahead of the top two, proving to be the more consistent player in the first women’s doubles final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep in Melbourne in 2018.
READ MORE: Sinner Ends Djokovic’s record bid to face Alcaraz in the French Open Final.
first set of marathons
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament, winner US Coco Gauff (R) cheers Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at the end of their women’s singles match on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
The 27-year-old Sabalenka quickly asserted herself, winning four of the first five games in a row.
Before being forced into a tie-break, the top seed had a 4-1 lead with a double-break in her semi-final victory over Swiatek.
With two double-faults and a tame backhand into the bottom of the net, she also gave Gauff a glimmer of hope.
When Sabalenka hit a second groundstroke long, Gauff scored 12 points in a row to bring the set level at the fifth break point of the eighth game.
She gave the break right away because she couldn’t continue to build on that momentum.
In a tense game, Sabalenka ultimately extended the lead by taking her fifth break point, missing two set points, the first of which was a double-fault.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays Aryna Sabalenka to US Coco Gauff in Paris’ Roland-Garros Complex, on June 7, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF/AFP)
Both players struggled on serve in the breeze, with Sabalenka breaking once more in the set before failing once more to tie the game.
After 77 minutes, Sabalenka ran out of four straight points to finally win the set in the opening set of a women’s French Open final. This was the first tie-break since 1998.
It was the longest set in a women’s Grand Slam final since the Williams sisters squared off in 2002, and it was also longer than the previous year’s final between Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini.
Gauff, however, took the lead into the second set by opening up a 4-1 lead with a double-break.
Gauff won the match with a confident smash at the net, beating Sabalenka in the first set, and she did so without any issues.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025, US Coco Gauff plays a backhand return to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka during their women’s singles final match. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
In game three, Sabalenka sent down her fifth double-fault, and the US star also broke first in the third.
As Gauff approached the title, Sabalenka was able to reclaim the lead to 3-3, but the relationship quickly became broken.
A thunderous Sabalenka return to the baseline denied Gauff on her first match point, and she then needed to save a break point.
On day 14 of the French Open tennis competition at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025, US Coco Gauff celebrates her victory over Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final match. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
But she crossed the line again, falling to the ground in celebration.
Ronaldo refuted rumors that he would be moving to one of the participating clubs and stated that he would not participate in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday.
The Portugal captain said it was off the mark to make predictions about participating in the newly expanded competition ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final against Spain in Munich.
The Portugal veteran said, “I won’t be attending the Club World Cup,” but added that he had been in touch with several of the competition’s teams.
READ ALSO for Postecoglou Sacked, Eagles Stumble, and Other Stories That Defined Sports This Week
Ronaldo joined the Nations League in Germany as a result of rumors that he would join a club and that his contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr would end at the end of June.
The Portuguese posted on social media in May as it became known that he might switch clubs, perhaps Saudi side Al Hilal, or one of the teams competing at the June US Olympic Games.
READ ALSO: Ronaldo, the champion of the Champions League, Should Get the Ballon D’Or.
Ronaldo stated that making a quick decision that would allow him to participate in the competition was not important.
“Some teams reached out to me,” he said. Some made sense, while others did not, but “you can’t try to do everything, you can’t catch every ball.”
The forward claimed that the future’s choice was “almost final.”
The major leagues in Europe and around the world may have ended, but the actions behind the pitch are intensifying. Teams are sacking coaches, signing players, and making moves to bolster their chances ahead of the campaign.
At the Roland Garros, the French Open is reaching its climax after days of action-packed games, just as the race for the 2026 World Cup heats up in Asia.
Relive these and more on First 11 — the recap of major sports stories during the week.
Spurs Dismiss Postecoglou Despite Europa League Win
(FILES) Ange Postecoglou holds aloft the Europa League trophy, following their mid-week win in the Europa League Final on May 21. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
It’s the season of firing at Tottenham! Despite helping to break the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou was shown the exit door on Friday, becoming the latest casualty in the Premier League sack race.
The North London club finished 17th in the league, one of their worst outings in decades. Even though the team qualified for the Champions League by winning Europe’s second-tier club competition, Spurs said it was time for the Australian gaffer to go.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a statement on Tottenham’s official X account said.
Super Eagles Held By Russia
FT in Moscow. Good show by the Eagles at the Luzhniki stadium against the host #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/xIH3BATdjm
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, drawing European side Russia in a friendly game in Moscow.
An own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. However, Genk striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria. The match ended 1-1! Friday’s game came off the back of the Super Eagles winning the Unity Cup —an invitational tournament in England.
Nigeria are at risk of missing out on the World Cup after an abysmal start to the qualification campaign. The Super Eagles and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Falcons Humble Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses
The morning after a job well done !
Still buzzing from last night’s win over Cameroon in Abeokuta.#CMRNGA #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/nbn94jeOA0
Before the Super Eagles took to the field, the country’s female senior national team was also in action at home. They faced neighbours Cameroon in a friendly match, part of their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and emerged victorious – 2-0 winners courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s brace.
Nigeria, nine-time winners, will aim to make it 10 when the WAFCON begins in July in the Maghreb nation of Morocco.
U-17 World Cup: Flamingoes Get Dream, Dangerous Group
The groups are set for the #U17WWC 2025!
Who will be crowned Champions?
In the meantime, the Flamingoes were drawn into Group D of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, billed for later in the year. The Nigerians got Canada, France, and Samoa to battle in the group stage of the competition scheduled for Morocco.
Nigeria will be taking part in the tournament for the eighth time. However, this edition will feature 24 sides – the first time that is happening. Morocco will be the first African country to host the age-grade showpiece, which runs from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Sabalenka, Gauff Set for Roland Garros Showdown
(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on June 06, 2025 shows (L) US Coco Gauff celebrating after winning her women’s singles semi-final match against France’s Lois Boisson on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025 and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrating after winning against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their women’s singles semi-final match on day 12 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)
In tennis, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming for a French Open title against second-ranked Coco Gauff at Roland Garros on Saturday. It will be the first time the world’s top two players have met in a women’s Grand Slam final since Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep to win the 2018 Australian Open.
Sabalenka and Gauff faced off in the 2023 US Open final when the Belarusian led by a set before imploding as the then-teenager Gauff claimed her maiden major title.
Gauff is targeting to become only the third player to win two women’s Grand Slam titles before 22 since Maria Sharapova added the 2006 US Open to her famous 2004 Wimbledon win. The others are Swiatek and former world number one Naomi Osaka.
French Open: Sinner Sets Up Clash With Alcaraz
Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning his men’s singles semi-final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on day 13 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 6, 2025. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
While Gauff and Sabalenka square off in the women’s singles final, Jannik Sinner will be meeting with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s version at Roland Garros.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reacts after a point during his men’s singles match against US Ben Shelton on day 8 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 1, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
Sinner battled past Novak Djokovic to book a date in the final against Alcaraz, who stormed past Lorenzo Musetti. The 38-year-old Sinner will next attempt to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon next month. Neither Sinner nor Alcaraz has ever lost a major final, but Sunday will change the trajectory.
Raphinha Crowned La Liga’s Best
Raphinha named La Liga Player of the Season! pic.twitter.com/oNiWF8bMYD
Back to football! Brazil winger Raphinha’s outstanding season has gotten him the Player of the Year prize in Spain’s La Liga. The forward helped Barcelona win the domestic double, notching 18 goals and nine assists. The hard-working right-sided winger is a skilled dribbler and assiduous back-tracker. His teammate and teenage striker Lamine Yamal won the under-23 award.
EPL Confirms Fixtures Release Date For 2025/26 Campaign
Liverpool’s English defender #66 Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrate with the Premier League trophy during an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool’s Premier League title win, in Liverpool, north-west England on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Ahead of the next campaign, the Premier League has confirmed the release date for the 2025/26 fixtures. According to a statement released earlier in the week, the fixtures will be out on June 18, 2025.
The opening matchday will start on August 18, 2025!
Chelsea Seal Delap Deal
Liam Delap. X/@ChelseaFC
Already, Chelsea are getting their act in place for next season with the signing of English striker Liam Delap. The Premier League giants beat off competition from Premier League rivals to land Delap from Ipswich for a reported fee of £30 million ($41 million).
Delap, 22, scored 12 Premier League goals during his sole season at Portman Road but could not prevent Ipswich making an immediate return to the Championship.
He was one of the few success stories for the Tractor Boys during a difficult season as they were relegated back to the Championship with just 22 points.
Uzbekistan, Jordan Reach World Cup For First Time
Uzbekistan’s players celebrate after their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match against the United Arab Emirates ended in a draw, qualifying them for the World Cup for the first time, at Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
In international games, Uzbekistan and Jordan made history by qualifying for their first World Cup. The pair will be joined in next year’s tournament by perennial participants South Korea. Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A. South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra.
Kano Mourns 22 Athletes
The vehicle involved in a Kano accident on May 31, 2025
On the home front, Kano State on Monday observed a public holiday to mourn 22 athletes killed in a road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival, which was held in Ogun State.
The athletes died last Saturday in a road crash while returning from the games. A delegation from Ogun State also paid a condolence visit to the Kano State Government.
Their deaths have continued to raise concerns over the welfare of athletes in the country, but government authorities have promised to do better.
