At Wimbledon 2025, Coco Gauff experienced an unexpected first-round loss while also becoming part of a memorable tennis moment involving her earring. The world No. 2, wearing her signature New Balance outfit, fell to Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a surprising upset, while Yastremska picked up Gauff’s earring from the grass during their match, creating a scene reminiscent of a famous moment in tennis history.
The match, held on Court 1 on Tuesday night, saw Gauff lose 7-6 (3), 6-1 to Yastremska. Early in the second set, when the score was 7-6 (3), 3-1, Yastremska was seen holding an earring she had found on the grass court. Gauff initially seemed unaware of the missing jewelry but soon confirmed it belonged to her. Yastremska placed the earring carefully on Gauff’s bench before continuing the match, which turned into one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Performance Challenges and Historical Comparisons
Coming off her recent French Open victory, Gauff struggled to find her footing on Wimbledon’s slippery grass courts under the closed roof. She made 29 unforced errors, served nine double faults, and managed just six winners throughout the contest. Reflecting afterward, Gauff admitted she was mentally overwhelmed after her Paris success and could not maintain her usual form against the determined Ukrainian opponent.
This loss placed Gauff in a rare category, making her only the third woman in the Open Era to be defeated in the first round at Wimbledon following a French Open title win. Justine Henin (2005) and Francesca Schiavone (2010) are the other two players to share this unfortunate record. For Yastremska, ranked world No. 42, the victory marked the biggest of her career and her first triumph over Gauff in four attempts.
Connecting With Tennis History: The Chris Evert Bracelet Incident
The moment with Gauff’s earring evoked memories of a legendary episode involving Chris Evert at the 1978 US Open, which led to the widespread use of the term “tennis bracelet.” During an early-round match that year, Evert’s diamond bracelet broke and fell onto the court, halting play while she searched for it.
“I had no idea it would become such a thing.”
—Chris Evert, Tennis Legend
After the incident, Evert referred to her broken jewelry as a “tennis bracelet,” a term that quickly gained popularity. This event occurred during the US Open’s move from Forest Hills to Flushing Meadows, marking the bracelet incident as a pivotal moment in sports and jewelry culture.
Before this moment, diamond line bracelets were called “eternity bracelets” or “line bracelets,” but Evert’s on-court mishap during the disco era helped transform public perception, turning the tennis bracelet into a fashionable and common accessory even during athletic competitions.
The Broader Significance of Gauff’s Wimbledon Moment
Coco Gauff’s Wimbledon earring moment not only captured global attention for its unusual nature but also connected the sport’s present with its past in a unique way. The incident highlighted tennis’ blend of athletic performance and personal style, reminding fans of its rich history and traditions. Meanwhile, Gauff’s early exit signals a challenging road ahead as she reflects on her performance and prepares for future tournaments.
For Yastremska, the upset win could be a breakthrough that boosts her confidence on the international stage. As the tournament continues, fans and players alike will be watching to see if such surprises become more frequent or if top players regain their dominance on the grass courts.