Stephen A. Smith Calls for Tennis Rule Change After Coco Gauff’s French Open Victory

Smith Questions WTA Rankings After Gauff Beats World No. 1 Again

Stephen A. Smith isn’t holding back. After Coco Gauff’s thrilling comeback win over Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 French Open final, the ESPN commentator voiced his frustration with the WTA ranking system, arguing that Gauff should now be ranked No. 1.

On First Take, Smith addressed Coco Gauff directly, saying,

“Well, you just beat the No. 1 player in the world… I don’t think she should be that way now, not after this loss. It should be you.”

The 21-year-old Gauff, who also defeated Sabalenka at the 2023 U.S. Open, lifted her second career singles Grand Slam title in Paris. But despite the victory, and a $2.9 million prize, she remains ranked No. 2 behind Sabalenka. Smith believes that doesn’t make sense and has reignited the debate about how tennis rankings work.

Why Coco Gauff Isn’t No. 1—Yet

The WTA uses a rolling 52-week points system across 18 tournaments. Although Coco Gauff has beaten Sabalenka six times in 11 matches, Sabalenka’s consistent overall performance in the last year keeps her ahead with 11,553 points, compared to Gauff’s 8,082.

Still, Smith isn’t convinced. He criticized the system, arguing that head-to-head victories and Grand Slam wins should weigh more. His passionate call echoes a sentiment many fans have echoed: rankings should reflect current dominance, not just long-term consistency.

Sabalenka’s Post-Match Comments Stir More Drama

It wasn’t just the rankings Smith had a problem with. He also blasted Sabalenka’s post-match attitude, after the Belarusian said, “I think [Gauff] won the match not because she played incredible. Just because I made all of those mistakes.”

Smith fired back: “She came across as a very sore loser after she lost to you. What is up with her?”

To her credit, Gauff took the high road, attributing the comment to raw emotion. Sabalenka later admitted on Instagram that Gauff “stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.”

Looking Ahead for Coco Gauff: Wimbledon and More

With two major singles titles and a doubles title already in 2025, Coco Gauff is on fire. Her next test? Wimbledon, where she’ll hope to continue her winning ways on grass before heading to the U.S. Open.

As for Stephen A. Smith, he’s made his stance clear: “If you beat the best, you should be the best.”

Whether the WTA listens or not, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff’s rise is impossible to ignore.

Read More: Coco Gauff Surprised by French Open Trophy Rule on Her Private Jet

Correction: June 14, 2025. A previous version of this article mistakenly referred to Coco Gauff as defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 French Open. Gauff defeated Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open. 

Related Articles
National League pitcher Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during the seventh inning of the 2012 All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on July 10, 2012.
14 Times MLB Teams Regretted Their “Win-Now” Gambles
From blockbuster deals to free-agent splurges, these 14 moments show how quickly an aggressive title...
Read More
Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. Dallas defeated Buffalo 30-13.
14 Quarterbacks Who Always Played Mad
Whether it was a perceived snub, a media critique, or just their general mood, these QBs played like...
Read More
Syndication: The Record
The 20 Most Socially Awkward Quarterbacks of All Time
Some of these socially awkward quarterbacks gave off “don’t talk to me at lunch” energy, while others...
Read More
Unknown Date and Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Chris Sabo slides into home against Philadelphia Phillies catcher Darren Daulton. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY NETWORK
12 MLB Catchers Who Were Absolute Brick Walls
Whether it was stopping runners cold or soaking up foul tips like human padding, these guys were true...
Read More
Dec 12, 1971; Green Bay, WI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker (51) Dick Butkus in action against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
The 15 Most Relentless Linebackers Ever
From sideline-to-sideline speed demons to bruisers who lived in the backfield, this list is all about...
Read More
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The 15 Most Clutch Players in the NFL Right Now
From quarterbacks to kickers to defensive game-wreckers, here are the NFL’s most clutch performers heading...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.