Gauff Reflects on Wimbledon Exit After Upset

Coco Gauff expressed her disappointment following her first-round defeat at Wimbledon, admitting she struggled with the transition from the clay courts of Paris to the grass surface. Visibly emotional, Gauff acknowledged the challenges she faced in adapting to the different playing conditions.

The French Open champion appeared uneasy on Court One, battling to establish a rhythm in her service game. Ultimately, she was defeated by Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, who is ranked 42nd globally, with a score of 7-6(3), 6-1.

Gauff commended her opponent’s performance, but suggested she might reconsider her strategy during the three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon in the future.

Surface Transition Difficulties

“I think I could have benefited from more matches on this surface. It’s about piecing everything together,” the American second seed stated.

Considering Training Options

“Given the short turnaround, I’m contemplating whether it would be more beneficial to increase training and possibly compete in Bad Homburg or Eastbourne.”

Prior to Wimbledon, Gauff, aged 21, experienced a first-round exit in Berlin and had limited opportunities for grass court practice.

Her victory at the French Open marked her second Grand Slam title, adding to her U.S. Open win from the previous year.

“I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the aftermath of Paris, and I didn’t feel I had sufficient time to both celebrate and refocus,” she explained.

Wiping away tears, Gauff voiced her frustration at not being able to acclimate to the grass, noting it was a more challenging adjustment compared to transitioning from clay to hard courts.

“I am confident that if I can adjust, I can perform well here. I genuinely desire to succeed here. I don’t want to dismiss my chances on grass so early in my career, but adjustments are necessary for success,” she remarked.

“I’m trying to stay positive, although I was struggling in the locker room following the match. I dislike losing.”

Gauff stumbled several times early in the match, while Yastremska displayed confidence as she struck winners from the baseline.

The Ukrainian player had previously reached the final of the Nottingham tournament and the quarter-finals at Eastbourne leading up to Wimbledon.

“Dayana played exceptionally well. There were points where I felt I wasn’t playing poorly, but she was consistently hitting winners.”

Gauff’s exit mirrored that of compatriot Jessica Pegula, also a third seed, who was eliminated in the first round.

“Wimbledon historically sees numerous upsets in the early rounds… it’s a recurring theme.”