Gauff Grabs Glory, But Not Without Controversy
Despite an early Wimbledon exit, Coco Gauff continues her off-court winning streak. The 21-year-old American star took home the Best Tennis Player Award at the 2025 ESPYs, beating out World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka for the second straight year. It’s a big momen, but not without its critics.
This year’s ESPYs, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated top athletic achievements across all sports. While stars like Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Philadelphia Eagles were honored, it was Gauff’s victory that raised eyebrows.
Is Sabalenka Getting Snubbed?
Let’s be real, Aryna Sabalenka has had a phenomenal season. Ranked No.1 in the world and consistently reaching the final rounds of major tournaments, she was widely considered the front-runner for the award. By contrast, Gauff’s season has been more up-and-down.
Yes, her French Open title last month was a career-defining win. And sure, she was the 2023 US Open champion. But her first-round exit at Wimbledon, losing 7-6(3), 6-1 to Dayana Yastremska, showed that Gauff’s dominance is far from consistent.
It begs the question, should popularity or potential outweigh performance? Gauff may be a media darling, but Sabalenka’s sustained excellence arguably deserved greater recognition.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Tennis Players Most Likely to Get Booed
Gauff’s Emotional High, Sabalenka’s Silent Wait
This is the second time Gauff has edged out Sabalenka for the ESPY. In 2024, after winning the WTA Finals, she was also named Best Tennis Player. That year, she humbly tweeted, “Apparently I won an ESPY. Thank you. I am super grateful!”
No such post from Sabalenka, just silence.
The narrative forming is one where Sabalenka plays, and Gauff wins headlines. And for some fans, it’s starting to feel unjust.
Despite the ESPY win, Gauff knows she has work to do. Her loss at Wimbledon was tough. “I definitely was struggling in the locker room… I just feel a little bit disappointed in how I showed up today,” she admitted.
But now, all eyes are on the US Open. Where she’ll try to reclaim the magic of 2023. Sabalenka will be there too, with a point to prove.
Who truly deserves the spotlight? Time, and the court will decide.
Read More:The Most Iconic Athlete from Each State
