Coco Gauff suffers stunning first-round defeat as Wimbledon shocks continue
Twenty-four days since lifting the title at Roland Garros, the stunned American second seed was beaten 7-6 (3) 6-1 in a major upset.
The resounding loss was the 21-year-old's second round-one exit in three years in SW19 following defeat to compatriot Sofia Kenin at this stage in 2023.
Earlier, world number three Jessica Pegula struggled to explain her shock exit as she praised the 'insane' performance of opponent Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Last year's US Open runner-up was beaten 6-2 6-3 in just 58 minutes as Italian world number 116 Cocciaretto celebrated the greatest win of her career.
Asked what went wrong, the 31-year-old American, who lost in the first round of a grand slam for the first time since the 2020 French Open, replied: 'I don't know. She played absolutely incredible tennis.
'Do I think I played the best match ever? No. But I definitely don't think I was playing bad.
'It's really a bummer to lose. I haven't lost first round of a slam in a very long time, so that sucks.
'I'm upset that I wasn't able to turn anything around. But at the same time, I do feel like she played kind of insane. Hats off to her. Kudos to her for playing at a high level that I couldn't match it today.'
Cocciaretto, who had only once before defeated a top-10 player, spectacularly turned the tables on Pegula, having suffered a 6-4 6-0 round-three loss to her in SW19 in 2023.
Barbora Krejcikova avoided being added to the short list of reigning champions to suffer first-round eliminations by battling back to beat Eastbourne Open runner-up Alexandra Eala in three sets.
The 29-year-old Czech was in danger of joining compatriot Marketa Vondrousova and 22-time grand slam winner Steffi Graf in the history books.
But, having come into the championship nursing a thigh issue after struggling for form and fitness all year, she dug in to progress 3-6 6-2 6-1 against 20-year-old Filipino Eala on Centre Court.
'Six months ago, I was in a lot of pain with my back and I didn't really know how my career is going to go,' Krejcikova said in her on-court interview.
'I'm super happy and super excited that I can be here and that I can play on such a great court.'
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova bid farewell to Wimbledon following a 6-3 6-1 loss to 10th seed Emma Navarro.
The 35-year-old wild card, who returned to the tour in February following the birth of son Petr last summer, intends to retire after this year's US Open.
Kvitova was a surprise winner of a maiden grand slam title at the All England Club in 2011 thanks to victory over Maria Sharapova before beating Eugenie Bouchard in the 2014 final.
Speaking on court, she said: 'Thank you for the atmosphere, it was wonderful to play on this beautiful court. Congrats Emma. I wish we could have played for a bit longer. I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon and I did it twice so this is something very special.
'I will miss Wimbledon, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans but I am ready for the next chapter of life as well. I can't wait to be back as a member.'
Five-time major winner Iga Swiatek overcame Polina Kudermetova 7-5 6-1, while 18-year-old seventh seed Mirra Andreeva beat Mayar Sherif 6-3 6-3.
But fifth seed Zheng Qinwen was knocked out by Czech world number 81 Katerina Siniakova in three sets.
Queen's champion Tatjana Maria, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, lost in three sets to American Katie Volynets while Eastbourne winner Maya Joint was beaten by Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova.
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Glasgow Times
23 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Wimbledon briefing: Day two recap, Wednesday's order of play and Brits to watch
Wednesday's schedule sees British qualifier Oliver Tarvet take on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court while Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter are among six other British players in second-round action. Here, the PA news agency looks back at Tuesday's events and previews what is to come on day three of the Championships. Draper's dream start Jack Draper (right) eased through his first-round match (Adam Davy/PA) Jack Draper was given the most comfortable of passages through to the second round of Wimbledon when opponent Sebastian Baez pulled out injured. The Argentinian twice consulted medical staff for what appeared to be a right leg issue after slipping early in the second set and called it quits trailing 6-2 6-2 2-1. Draper had been in control from the moment the contest started on Court One and, while a short outing in the heat might have seemed optimal, the 23-year-old said: 'I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty.' Seeds make swift exits Coco Gauff was the biggest first-round casualty (Ian Walton/AELTC) Four of the top 10 players in both the men's and women's draw are out the tournament already. Women's second seed Coco Gauff's defeat on Court One on Tuesday night saw her follow Jessica Pegula (seeded three), Zheng Qinwen (five) and Paula Badosa (nine) through the exit door. On the men's side, third seed Alexander Zverev and Lorenzo Musetti (seven) were both beaten the day after Holger Rune (eight) and Daniil Medvedev (nine) were sent packing. Brit watch Oliver Tarvet will take on Carlos Alcaraz (Mike Egerton/PA) Monday's record-breaking seven British winners all return to the court on Wednesday looking to reach the third round. Emma Raducanu faces a tough test against 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the prime time slot on Centre Court, while British number two Katie Boulter and number three Sonay Kartal both take on unseeded opponents after headline-grabbing first-round wins. Qualifier Oliver Tarvet has the most eye-catching match against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, while Cameron Norrie will play 12th seed Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fery and Billy Harris face Italian Luciano Darderi and Portugal's Nuno Borges respectively. Match of the day Emma Raducanu memorably beat Marketa Vondrousova in 2021 (Adam Davy/PA) Emma Raducanu's second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova will be a real draw on day three as two former grand slam champions meet at a relatively early stage of the tournament. Raducanu won the US Open aged just 18, prior to which she made her main-draw Wimbledon debut during the same season and beat Vondrousova in a memorable match on her way to the third round. Vondrousova, who won Wimbledon in 2023, comes into the tie in good grass form having won the Berlin Open earlier this month and will be hoping to turn the tables on the British star. Order of play Centre Court (from 1.30pm) Aryna Sabalenka (10 v Marie Bouzkova Oliver Tarvet v Carlos Alcaraz (2) Emma Raducanu v Marketa Vondrousova Court One (from 1pm) Cameron Norrie v Frances Tiafoe (12) Katie Boulter v Solana Sierra Taylor Fritz (5) v Gabriel Diallo Weather Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime, with a maximum temperature of 27C, according to the Met Office.
The Herald Scotland
24 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Jalen Ramsey trade winners, losers: Steelers, Fitzpatrick, Dolphins
On a day when the winners and losers are usually reserved for Wimbledon, we've got quite a few more to sort through ... WINNERS Jalen Ramsey Not only did the three-time All-Pro engineer his departure from Miami, the Steelers also gave Ramsey a $1.5 million raise - he'll be paid $26.6 million in 2025, according to ESPN and the NFL Network. He jumps to a team seemingly in better position to contend as he heads into the 10th season of his exceptional pro career, and - as a defensive back - it certainly doesn't hurt to play behind a pass rush that includes T.J. Watt (presumably), Cam Heyward an Alex Highsmith, among others. TRADE GRADES: Report cards for Steelers, Dolphins following blockbuster Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith The Steelers' new quarterback and offensive coordinator, respectively, welcome another weapon with the arrival of Jonnu Smith. Whether it was his protection, body, age or scheme (and maybe all of the above), Rodgers spent much of last season getting the ball out quickly and throwing down the seams in the intermediate part of the field - which means Jonnu Smith could get a steady of diet balls. And he should hit the ground running given this will be his third stint playing for Arthur Smith, who also coached him in Tennessee and Atlanta and now has another component for his attack on whom he can rely. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan Much has been made of the fact that Tomlin, who's about to embark on his 19th season as Pittsburgh's head coach has never suffered a losing season ... nor has the man who took the Steelers to the Super Bowl twice in his first four years won a playoff game since the 2016 postseason. But you can't accuse him or Khan, entering his fourth season as general manager, of operating conservatively in recent months. Monday's deal follows the long-awaited signing of Rodgers and trade for WR DK Metcalf plus the departure of WR George Pickens in recent months, among other moves. TBD whether a more aggressive approach translates into a deeper playoff run, but it does seem to indicate a shifting mindset for a team that might up hosting a very eventful draft in 2026 - regardless of what happens in 2025, which is likely to be Rodgers' final ride. DK Metcalf All due respect to Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek and others, but Metcalf remains the only bona fide wideout threat on this roster - though it's still worth wondering if Khan makes a run at an unsigned veteran like Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper. Regardless, Smith instantly provides a genuine threat in the intermediate part of the field - one who will doubtless make opposing safeties think twice about shading too far toward Metcalf on the boundary and should consequently create more opportunities for a player who averaged 121 targets during his six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. De'Von Achane Speaking of target share, barring the acquisition of an established pass-catching tight end - and that could still happen - it's not immediately clear who gets the bulk of the 111 Smith had for the Dolphins in 2024. Regardless, Achane (his 78 receptions last season trailed only Smith and WR Tyreek Hill for the Dolphins), a running back whose speed is especially frightening when he has space to operate, figures to benefit. And given QB Tua Tagovailoa's penchant to get the ball out quickly - per Next Gen Stats, his average time to throw, 2.42 seconds, was the fastest among qualifying quarterbacks in 2024 - Achane seems particularly likely to see more balls coming his way. And, for what it's worth, Achane may also have to run the ball more, too - out of necessity - though he does seem to be a guy where less volume means more big plays, his touches more than doubling to 281 in 2024, though his yards per fell by more than 2 yards. Jonnu Smith Not only does he get to team up with Rodgers while joining a scheme he's intimately familiar with, the veteran tight end gets his contract extended through the 2026 season, during which he stands to make $12 million. LOSERS Jonnu Smith? He's coming off a career year, his 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns for the Dolphins last season rendering Smith one of the most productive tight ends in the league. As well as he should fit into Pittsburgh's offense, Smith is highly unlikely to ever approach those numbers again with this team (he never caught more than 50 passes in a season during his other hitches with Arthur Smith). But at least the Steelers have already handsomely rewarded Jonnu Smith, who signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with Miami last year. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward As much as Arthur Smith fancies double- and triple-tight sets, Jonnu Smith's arrival is going to cut significantly into the playing time for Pittsburgh's three other tight ends. Washington is mostly a glorified tackle, so his role and snap count may not change all that much. But Freiermuth's numbers seem like to suffer and Heyward, the younger brother of team captain Cam Heyward, could even find himself on the roster bubble. Minkah Fitzpatrick It's rare to see a Round 1 pick dealt midway through his second season, but Fitzpatrick wanted out of Miami in 2019 - he didn't feel like his abilities and role with the team aligned - yet now he's reunited with GM Chris Grier, who drafted him in the first place. Miami certainly had a hole to fill in its lineup after losing S Jevon Holland in free agency this year, so Fitzpatrick certainly helps from that standpoint. But he'll no longer get to leverage a Watt-led pass rush. And despite being a five-time Pro Bowler, including each of the past three seasons, Fitzpatrick hasn't been producing the big plays that forged his reputation years ago - generating just one turnover, total, since the start of the 2023 campaign. Tua Tagovailoa Smith led Miami with 88 catches last season. Now a quarterback who's eager to distribute the ball but is also prone to concussions, has lost his security blanket. Maybe this will make more sense down the line, but for right now ...? Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel Miami's GM and head coach, respectively, seem to have authored a transaction that doesn't exactly smack of "win now" - though it was clear they had to move on from Ramsey, who was ready to depart. And much as Steelers fans might be desperate for postseason success, the Dolphins haven't won a playoff game since 2000 - the longest drought in the league. Owner Stephen Ross gave his leadership a vote of confidence after last season's 8-9 finish but also said "(C)ontinuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough. We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships." Hard to see how this trade cools the other kind of Florida heat Grier and McDaniel, who have now lost four team captains this offseason, are trying to beat. And the reaction one of their former players, RB Raheem Mostert, had to the trade speaks (to some level) on how things could unfold ... Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like sh*t. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!! — Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) June 30, 2025 Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, (Shedeur Sanders?) After the Baltimore Ravens recently signed CB Jaire Alexander, the AFC North now welcomes another elite corner with the arrival of Ramsey, a Pro Bowler in seven of his nine NFL seasons. It's certainly not the most welcome development for the division's high-profile quarterbacks. Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr. and Beanie Bishop Jr. It remains to be seen how Pittsburgh's lineup shakes out, specifically as to whether Ramsey, always a fantastic ball hawk, gets a look at free safety or not. But that seems unlikely given a trade of this magnitude - and especially so since the Steelers have experienced players like Miles Killebrew and Juan Thornhill available to step into Fitzpatrick's role. And if Ramsey does remain at corner, it begs the question of what happens to recently signed Slay and Porter, a second-round pick in 2023. All of them play predominantly on the outside, Ramsey's 185 snaps in the slot last season nearly double the total of Slay, who spent 2024 in Philadelphia, and Porter combined in 2024. But is a 30-year-old star going to live in the slot, which was typically manned by Bishop, an undrafted rookie in 2024? It's a very solid bet that Ramsey will operate however he's most comfortable in 2025, and then the others fall into place as circumstances dictate - which may or not benefit them from an individual perspective. AFC contenders? Are the Steelers suddenly a bona fide Super Bowl 60 threat? That will likely be primarily dictated by whatever version of Rodgers they're getting. But adding Ramsey and Smith also undoubtedly makes a team that's qualified for postseason four of the past five seasons more formidable. And even if Pittsburgh doesn't complete its "Stairway to Seven" in 2025, the Steelers are starting to increasingly look like a team that could ambush one of the conference favorites - Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore - along the way while getting Tomlin that next playoff win he's been awaiting for nearly a decade. Los Angeles Rams The presumed favorites to reacquire Ramsey's services - he played 3 1/2 seasons in LA, starting in 2019, and was a key performer for the Super Bowl 56 champions in 2021 - a team that may have the best chance to dislodge the Eagles on the NFC side of the bracket in 2025 couldn't find a way to broker a reunion. Doesn't mean the defending NFC West titlists aren't still a clear and present danger to the reigning Super Bowl champions but sure seems like adding a familiar star like Ramsey would have nicely furthered the cause. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
The Herald Scotland
34 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Wimbledon briefing: Day two recap, Wednesday's order of play and Brits to watch
Here, the PA news agency looks back at Tuesday's events and previews what is to come on day three of the Championships. Draper's dream start Jack Draper (right) eased through his first-round match (Adam Davy/PA) Jack Draper was given the most comfortable of passages through to the second round of Wimbledon when opponent Sebastian Baez pulled out injured. The Argentinian twice consulted medical staff for what appeared to be a right leg issue after slipping early in the second set and called it quits trailing 6-2 6-2 2-1. Draper had been in control from the moment the contest started on Court One and, while a short outing in the heat might have seemed optimal, the 23-year-old said: 'I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty.' Seeds make swift exits Coco Gauff was the biggest first-round casualty (Ian Walton/AELTC) Four of the top 10 players in both the men's and women's draw are out the tournament already. Women's second seed Coco Gauff's defeat on Court One on Tuesday night saw her follow Jessica Pegula (seeded three), Zheng Qinwen (five) and Paula Badosa (nine) through the exit door. On the men's side, third seed Alexander Zverev and Lorenzo Musetti (seven) were both beaten the day after Holger Rune (eight) and Daniil Medvedev (nine) were sent packing. Brit watch Oliver Tarvet will take on Carlos Alcaraz (Mike Egerton/PA) Monday's record-breaking seven British winners all return to the court on Wednesday looking to reach the third round. Emma Raducanu faces a tough test against 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the prime time slot on Centre Court, while British number two Katie Boulter and number three Sonay Kartal both take on unseeded opponents after headline-grabbing first-round wins. Qualifier Oliver Tarvet has the most eye-catching match against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, while Cameron Norrie will play 12th seed Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fery and Billy Harris face Italian Luciano Darderi and Portugal's Nuno Borges respectively. Match of the day Emma Raducanu memorably beat Marketa Vondrousova in 2021 (Adam Davy/PA) Emma Raducanu's second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova will be a real draw on day three as two former grand slam champions meet at a relatively early stage of the tournament. Raducanu won the US Open aged just 18, prior to which she made her main-draw Wimbledon debut during the same season and beat Vondrousova in a memorable match on her way to the third round. Vondrousova, who won Wimbledon in 2023, comes into the tie in good grass form having won the Berlin Open earlier this month and will be hoping to turn the tables on the British star. Order of play Centre Court (from 1.30pm) Aryna Sabalenka (10 v Marie Bouzkova Oliver Tarvet v Carlos Alcaraz (2) Emma Raducanu v Marketa Vondrousova Court One (from 1pm) Cameron Norrie v Frances Tiafoe (12) Katie Boulter v Solana Sierra Taylor Fritz (5) v Gabriel Diallo Weather Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime, with a maximum temperature of 27C, according to the Met Office.
