Pegula Loses Early at Wimbledon, Upset by Cocciaretto

WIMBLEDON, England — American No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula suffered her earliest defeat in a major tournament since 2020, losing 6-2, 6-3 to Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked No. 116, during the first round at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Pegula, 31, entered Wimbledon after securing her ninth career title in Bad Homburg, Germany, where she defeated former world No. 1 player in the final. However, she struggled against Cocciaretto, who made history as the first Italian to beat a top-3 seed at Wimbledon since the Open Era began in 1968.

<p“She played absolutely incredible tennis,” Pegula said about Cocciaretto, who at 24 displayed impressive skill. “Do I think I played the best match ever? No. But I definitely don't think I was playing bad.”

Pegula was particularly troubled by her serve, managing only 42% of points won on her second serve and recording 24 unforced errors.
“It wasn’t (good); it was terrible,” Pegula reflected. “… It’s so frustrating when something you’ve been working on doesn’t come and help you when you want it to, especially on grass.”

This defeat marks the first time Pegula lost in the first round of a Grand Slam event since the 2020 French Open. She expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s really a bummer to lose. … I’m upset that I wasn’t able to turn anything around.”

Pegula also wore tape on her left knee, an injury that forced her to miss events last year. Despite concerns, she assured, “The knee feels good. … I think it’s not really holding me back.”

Next, Cocciaretto will face another American player in the second round. Pegula’s early exit makes her the highest seed to be eliminated in either the men’s or women’s singles at this year’s Wimbledon.