Upsets Rock Wimbledon as Top Seeds Plummet in Early Rounds

WIMBLEDON, England — The 2025 Wimbledon tournament has witnessed shocking defeats as top seeds face early exits from the grass courts. American player Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 3, experienced her earliest major defeat since 2020, falling 6-2, 6-3 to Italy’s Lucia Cocciaretto, ranked No. 116, in the first round on Tuesday.

Pegula, who recently captured her ninth career title in Bad Homburg, Germany, acknowledged Cocciaretto’s impressive performance. “She played absolutely incredible tennis,” Pegula said. “It was just her day.” This loss marks the first time Pegula has exited in the first round of any Grand Slam since the 2020 French Open.

Cocciaretto’s victory is historic; she is the first Italian to defeat a top-3 seed at Wimbledon since 1968. “I told myself to be more aggressive and go for it,” said Cocciaretto, who noted a dip in her ranking recently. The match lasted under an hour, making Pegula the highest seed to be eliminated in either singles.

In another blow to the tournament, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova bid farewell to her favorite Grand Slam with a defeat against American player Elizabeth Navarro, losing 6-3, 6-1. The 35-year-old Kvitova plans to retire after the U.S. Open and expressed her bittersweet sentiments about leaving the sport. “This place holds the best memories I could wish for,” she said emotionally.

In men’s action, American Tommy Paul also faced disappointment, succumbing to a sprawling five-set match against France’s Arthur Rinderknech, 7-6 (3), 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4. Paul’s early exit coincided with the retirements of fellow seeded players, amplifying the degree of chaos during the tournament’s initial rounds.

Wimbledon continues to serve surprises; while several top players are sent packing, others strive to make their mark, including Italy’s Jannik Sinner and top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who have progressed smoothly in their matches. As the tournament unfolds, players keep seeking ways to navigate through the challenging grass surface and achieve their dreams.