Coco Gauff has insisted she doesn't mind Aryna Sabalenka's grunting after losing at the Australian Open on Thursday.
The 19-year-old had gone into the match believing she could win a second Grand Slam crown of her career, having won the US Open last year.
But Gauff struggled during the showdown at the Rod Laver Arena, with Sabalenka winning 7-6, 6-4 to make the final of the competition.
After the match, in a press conference, the American was asked about Sabalenka's grunting.
Coco Gauff has spoken out after losing to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open
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Yet Gauff made it clear she had no issue with her opponent's behaviour, despite seeing her dreams of another Grand Slam triumph go up in smoke.
"No," she said."I mean, I go through it a lot so I can't sit here and say it's distracting, it's like the fifth time we've played.
"No, I don't think so. At least with her it's consistent, it doesn't bother me.
"I played a player in the past when it wasn't consistent, they'd grunt longer on purpose at like 30-30 or deuce point.
"If it's consistent I don't think you can really say anything about it.
"I don't think you're supposed to grunt while the person's hittng but, like I said, I didn't notice.
"I don't think it's a tactic, it's just how she plays tennis.
"I don't get how it can bother someone but yeah, it doesn't bother me."
Gauff felt she played well during the contest.
However, she regrets not serving to a high standard - admitting it prevented her from getting the better of her opponent.
"I think she served better, she made less errors but also I feel like I played a little bit more aggressive this time," she admitted.
"In the US Open I feel it wasn't a great match, for me. I guess I won but I played better tonight.
"I wish I could have made more first serves.
"I think that was the difference, she had a higher first serve percentage and it's tough to also go for the second when you've double-faulted a couple of times.
"I don't think that was the fault either because I put myself in a position to serve out the set.
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Coco Gauff was fine with Aryna Sabalenka's grunting despite her defeat at the Australian Open
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"At the end of the day it came down to a coupke of points, even in the second.
"A lot of positives to take, today I don't feel like I played bad there were just certain points that I didn't win.
"It's tough with the result but I'm trying to look at the positives."
Sabalenka, meanwhile, praised Gauff and revealed she loved their matches together having battled her way to the final.
"As I said before, it's always a great fight," said the 25-year-old.
Coco Gauff was hailed by Aryna Sabalenka after their Australian Open clash
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"She's an incredible player. I really enjoy playing her.
"Win or lose, it's always great matches. She's a great player.
"I really hope that in the future we're going to play many more finals and I mean hopefully I'm going to win all of them! I really enjoy playing her."
