Jessica Pegula crashed out of Wimbledon in the opening round against Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The No.3 seed lost 6-2, 6-3 in just 58 minutes. Pegula was one of the favourites for the title and is a former quarter-finalist here.
But she fell to the world No.116 to exit a Grand Slam in the first round for the first time since the 2020 French Open.Cocciaretto said: “To play here in such an unbelievable stadium and tournament is a dream come true for me.
“I was so pumped to play this year. I couldn’t wait for the match to start because I’ve been practicing as hard as possible. I hope to play as many matches as possible here.
“She is an unbelievable player and a great example to all of us. Thanks for the support and to my team, without them I couldn’t stay here today.”
Pegula made 24 unforced errors and just five winners as mistakes cost her in the midday heat at SW19, which rose to 32C.
Cocciaretto reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2023, where she lost to Pegula.
“I played with a player like her before, like Iga [Swiatek] and Aryna [Sabalenka], you have to do the best that you can on the court and take the little chance that they give you,” Cocciaretto added.
“I tried to be more aggressive and go for it, and don’t think about losing the point. I just went for it and think I did a good job today. I am super happy.”
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