JUST weeks after her triumphant French Open victory, Coco Gauff faced a surprising defeat in her return to action, falling 6-3, 6-3 to Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu at the Berlin Open on Thursday (Friday, June 20, 2025, PH time).
The world No. 2 Gauff, who clinched her second Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros less than two weeks ago, struggled on the grass courts, accumulating 25 unforced errors and seven double faults against Wang.
Gauff, who had a bye into the second round of the Wimbledon tune-up event, acknowledged the quick turnaround.
“It was a tough one today but happy to be back on court,” Gauff shared on social media. “Tried my best to adjust with the quick turnaround but it wasn’t enough. As always, I’m learning as I go, so I hope to do better next time.”
The 21-year-old American is now shifting her focus to Wimbledon, which begins on June 30. Gauff has yet to advance past the fourth round at the All England Club.
Wang, ranked 49th, expressed delight with the upset victory.
“After I won the first set, I just told myself ‘OK let’s take a minute and enjoy this, I’m playing the French Open champion, and I won the first set,’” she said in her on-court interview.
Wang credited her strong serving and aggressive returns, particularly on second serves, for her performance. She will now face Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals.
In other tournament news, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka completed her match against Rebeka Masarova, winning 6-2, 7-6 (6). Their match had been suspended on Wednesday due to a slippery court.
Sabalenka, who lost to Gauff in the French Open final and later apologized for “unprofessional” comments made after the match, is set to meet 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals. / From the wires