Coco Gauff Suffers Surprise Defeat in First Match Since French Open Triumph

Jakarta – Just days after capturing her first French Open title, Coco Gauff was handed a surprise defeat in her opening match at the Berlin Ladies Open, marking a dramatic shift in momentum for the 20-year-old rising star.

Gauff, who made headlines with her Roland Garros victory on June 7, was unable to maintain her clay-court form on grass, falling to Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. The American looked slightly off rhythm as she adjusted to the faster surface, committing a flurry of unforced errors that proved costly.

“It’s always tough transitioning from clay to grass,” Gauff admitted post-match.

“I’m still learning, and this will help me prepare for Wimbledon.”

The loss serves as a valuable test ahead of the grass-court Grand Slam in London. Gauff’s powerful baseline game and recent Grand Slam success have made her a favorite on tour, but her early exit in Berlin is a reminder of the challenges players face during the surface switch.

Despite the setback, Gauff remains confident as she sets her sights on Wimbledon 2025, where she’s expected to be one of the top contenders.