Despite falling short in the final of the 2025 Madrid Open, American tennis star Coco Gauff is taking the defeat in stride and looking ahead with optimism. The 2023 US Open champion was unable to clinch her first WTA title of the 2025 season after a hard-fought battle against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, but her attitude following the loss has earned her widespread praise and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.
The final, held in the iconic Spanish capital, featured a high-stakes showdown between two of the game’s brightest stars—Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed, and Gauff, seeded fourth. In a match that lasted one hour and 39 minutes, Sabalenka emerged victorious with a 6-3, 7-6(7-3) win. The Belarusian added to her stellar season with her third title of the year, having already triumphed in Miami and Brisbane, and further solidified her place atop the WTA rankings.
Gauff, meanwhile, remains ranked fourth in the world and narrowly missed a chance to reclaim the No. 2 spot with a win in Madrid. However, rather than dwelling on the missed opportunity, the 20-year-old American took to social media with a message of gratitude and determination.
“Thank you Madrid,” Gauff wrote in an Instagram post following the match, sharing a photo from the final. Her message was brief, but it spoke volumes. Her calm, composed demeanor in the aftermath of the loss served as a testament to her maturity and professionalism—qualities that continue to define her as a rising leader in women’s tennis.
Fans were quick to rally behind her, applauding both her performance and her sportsmanship. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “Now that is how you lose a match gracefully. Class act, Coco! Congratulations to Sabalenka.” The post echoed the sentiments of many, with fans praising Gauff not just for her on-court talent but for the humility and respect she consistently demonstrates in both victory and defeat.
Gauff also took a moment during the post-match ceremony to congratulate Sabalenka, sharing a celebratory moment with her opponent on court—a gesture that drew even more admiration from tennis enthusiasts around the world. The scene was a reminder of the camaraderie and mutual respect that continues to grow among the top players in the WTA.
With the Madrid Open now behind her, Gauff’s focus shifts to the upcoming Italian Open, a key stop in the lead-up to Roland Garros. As the clay-court season continues, the American star is clearly determined to keep pushing forward.
“I’ve learned a lot this week,” Gauff said in a brief interview after the final. “Now it’s about building on that and preparing for what’s next.”
Coco Gauff may not have lifted the trophy in Madrid, but her grace in defeat and positive outlook have once again proven why she’s not only a fierce competitor but also a role model in the sport. With the Italian Open next on her calendar, fans can expect to see her back on court with renewed focus and fire.