ESPN NEWS: American Star Coco Gauff Experience S…read more.
Wimbledon 2025 kicked off with an unexpected jolt as American star Coco Gauff bowed out in the opening round, losing to Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska. Fans who packed the All England Club and viewers around the world expected Gauff to cruise, yet Yastremska delivered a performance that no one saw coming.
At just 19, Gauff arrived as a headline contender, buoyed by a streak of tour victories and rising confidence on grass. Her blend of speed, power, and poise usually translates into long tournament runs, especially in London where she had already memorably reached the final a year earlier. Still, Yastremska, ranked outside the top fifty and labeled an outsider, played with an aggressive freedom that repeatedly knocked Gauff off her usual timing.
From the first game Yastremska attacked the American serve, stealing an early break and refusing to back off. Although Gauff produced flashes of her trademark flair-incredible volleys, whipped forehands, and resilient rallies-the Ukrainian stayed calm, blocking out the crowd and answering every challenge with another bold strike. Yastremska ultimately claimed the win in straight sets, a disappointing but impressive finish that echoed through the tournament.
This early defeat is a big deal at this year’s Wimbledon because it knocks out one of the event’s most promising young names.