Jessica Pegula stunned by Elisabetta Cocciaretto in first round at Wimbledon

On July 1, 2025, during the first round of Wimbledon in London, third-seeded American tennis player Jessica Pegula faced a surprising defeat against 116th-ranked Italian player Elisabetta Cocciaretto. In just 58 minutes, Cocciaretto secured a victory with a score of 6-2, 6-3, marking a significant upset in the tournament. This loss represents Pegula's earliest exit from a Grand Slam event in five years, with her previous first-round exit occurring at the 2020 French Open. Notably, Pegula had recently triumphed at the Bad Homburg Open, where she defeated Iga Swiatek. Cocciaretto expressed her determination and positivity during the match, emphasizing the importance of being aggressive and enjoying the moment rather than dwelling on potential outcomes. This mindset proved effective as she executed a strategy that focused on her strengths rather than her ranking, which she admitted had fluctuated recently. With her victory, Cocciaretto acknowledged the honor of competing against a player of Pegula's caliber, highlighting Pegula's status as a role model in the sport. The first-round match was particularly challenging for Pegula, who struggled with her performance, recording only five winners while committing 24 unforced errors. Her prior success in reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2023 and being a finalist in five tournaments throughout the current year made the loss even more surprising. Cocciaretto's past experiences also added depth to her triumph, as she had faced personal challenges in the previous year, including a hospital stay that prevented her from participating in Wimbledon. Looking ahead, Cocciaretto will advance to face either American No. 98 Katie Volynets or No. 13 Tommy Paul in the next round. Pegula's exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of tennis, where upsets can occur at any moment, regardless of rankings or past performances. The landscape of women's tennis continues to evolve as emerging players like Cocciaretto challenge established stars like Pegula, making the competition increasingly fierce and exciting.