In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, World No. 2 and reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff was knocked out in the first round of Wimbledon 2025. Gauff, who was hailed as a top contender for the title, fell to Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska with a 7-6(3), 6-1 defeat on No. 1 Court on Tuesday night. The loss not only marked one of the biggest upsets of this year’s tournament but also invited a wave of criticism and speculation about Gauff’s preparation and focus.
The defeat makes Gauff just the third woman in the Open Era to crash out in the first round of Wimbledon after winning the French Open—joining the likes of Justine Henin (2005) and Francesca Schiavone (2010).
Despite her impressive momentum from Roland-Garros, where she clinched her second career Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, the transition from clay to grass proved treacherous once again for the 21-year-old American.
Unforced errors and missed opportunities
Coco Gauff’s performance was riddled with uncharacteristic errors. She managed just six winners throughout the match, compared to 29 unforced errors—nine of which were double faults. From the outset, her timing looked off and her usually dominant groundstrokes lacked the punch needed on the faster grass surface. Yastremska, ranked 42nd in the world and previously winless in three encounters against Gauff, capitalized on every opportunity to claim what is arguably the biggest win of her career.
Although Wimbledon was the tournament that put Gauff on the map back in 2019, when she famously defeated Venus Williams at just 15, the grass-court Slam continues to be her least successful major. She has yet to progress beyond the fourth round at the All England Club and has now suffered two first-round exits in the past three years.
Fans react with criticism and tough love
Social media didn’t hold back in the wake of Coco Gauff’s early exit. Some fans showed disappointment, while others offered candid takes on what they believe went wrong.
“She was a little too high on her French Open supply,” one fan commented, implying overconfidence may have played a role.
“Can’t make this sh*t up,” another reacted in disbelief.
“Maybe if she worries more about her game and less about her ‘fit’,” said a critic, pointing to Gauff’s all-white outfit.
“Coco still hasn’t figured out the grass run yet. Give her a couple years,” added a more optimistic fan.
“Too busy being buddy-buddy and shit,” one user remarked, referencing Gauff’s warm interaction with Aryna Sabalenka earlier this week, a moment that contrasted sharply with the rivalry tension post-French Open final.
What lies ahead for Coco Gauff
Despite this disappointing result, Coco Gauff’s Grand Slam record remains strong overall. With titles at both the U.S. Open and French Open, she has proven she can rise to the occasion. Yet, Wimbledon remains an enigma for her—a surface and setting that has yet to align with her powerful baseline game.
At just 21, Gauff still has time to adapt her style and unlock the formula for success on grass. But with expectations growing and scrutiny intensifying, the pressure will only continue to mount in future Slams.