Aryna Sabalenka has found herself at the center of controversy following her loss at the French Open, and the backlash has extended beyond the tennis world. The world No. 2, who was eliminated in a tense match at the tournament, made some comments about Coco Gauff that did not sit well with everyone, including some high-profile personalities.
After her defeat, Sabalenka, known for her aggressive playing style and strong personality on the court, was asked about Gauff’s impressive performance. Sabalenka’s response, which was perceived by many as dismissive, caught the attention of Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) star Leah McSweeney. McSweeney, never one to shy away from speaking her mind, took to social media to slam Sabalenka for her remarks.
In a sharp and pointed comment, McSweeney accused Sabalenka of being “jealous” of Gauff’s success and insinuated that the Belarusian player might have been envious of the 19-year-old’s rising star. But McSweeney didn’t stop there—she went on to make a jibe about Sabalenka’s appearance, suggesting that the tennis player had undergone lip filler procedures.
“Maybe you should focus on your game instead of your lips,” McSweeney wrote on her Instagram Story, adding fuel to an already heated situation. The comment, which many felt was both personal and uncalled for, quickly gained attention across social media platforms.
This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has found herself embroiled in controversy after a major tournament. Earlier in the year, she was criticized for her comments about the state of women’s tennis, in which she mentioned that younger players like Gauff still had a long way to go. The statement raised eyebrows at the time and drew the ire of several players and fans.
On the other hand, Gauff, who has garnered widespread admiration for both her on-court prowess and maturity, has faced little backlash. Her poised response to Sabalenka’s remarks only seemed to highlight the difference in their public images.
While Sabalenka’s comments and McSweeney’s jibe may have stirred the pot, it’s clear that Gauff remains focused on her tennis career. Sabalenka, for her part, may want to reassess how her words are received, especially if she intends to avoid further distractions as she continues her pursuit of tennis greatness.