Dayana Yastremska delivered a stunning upset at Wimbledon by defeating the newly crowned French Open champion, Coco Gauff, in straight sets. Yastremska, unseeded and ranked 42nd, triumphed over the No. 2 seed Gauff with a score of 7-6 (3), 6-1, marking a significant shift in momentum just weeks after Gauff celebrated her major victory at Roland-Garros.
This elimination places Gauff in a historic but disappointing category, as she became only the third woman in the Open era to exit Wimbledon in the first round immediately following a French Open win. During the match, Gauff struggled with her performance, making 29 unforced errors and only achieving six winners. “Dayana started off playing strong,” Gauff remarked, acknowledging her difficulties on the court.
The match’s timing may have played a role, with Gauff admitting she felt mentally overwhelmed by the quick transition from her French Open victory to the challenges of Wimbledon. She stated, “I didn’t feel like I had enough time to celebrate and also get back into it.” Gauff’s struggles were evident as she served only 45% of her first serves in play, including several double faults.
Yastremska, on the other hand, gained confidence from her performance in a recent grass tournament where she reached the finals. She expressed her excitement about playing against Gauff, saying, “I was really on fire,” and highlighting her enhanced comfort on grass this season.
This first-round loss for Gauff, following another early exit for her fellow American Jessica Pegula, marks a peculiar occurrence in women’s major tennis. The quick transitions between clay and grass courts pose a unique challenge for players, underscoring the difficulty many encounter after major victories.
Although the defeat is disappointing for Gauff, it reflects the unpredictable nature of tennis, where even the best players can face unexpected hurdles. Meanwhile, Yastremska’s victory sets a promising tone for her journey at Wimbledon, where she hopes to continue her success.