Elisabetta Cocciaretto Upsets Jessica Pegula at Wimbledon
In a surprising turn of events on the green grass of Wimbledon, the 116th-ranked Elisabetta Cocciaretto delivered a stunning upset by defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the first round, with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-3. This match marked a dramatic reversal from their previous encounter two years ago, where Pegula had convincingly won in straight sets.
Match Highlights
Cocciaretto showcased an aggressive style of play throughout the match, frequently taking the ball early and dominating the baseline. Despite Pegula’s recent triumph at the Bad Homburg tournament in Germany, she struggled to counter Cocciaretto’s relentless attack. The American’s normally effective game fell flat as she found herself consistently positioned well behind the baseline, unable to assert her dominance.
During the match, Pegula faced nine service games and was broken on four occasions. She managed to hit only five winners, significantly overshadowed by Cocciaretto’s impressive 17 winners. Furthermore, Pegula’s efforts were marred by 24 unforced errors, many stemming not from Cocciaretto’s skill but rather from the mounting frustration of her own performance.
Implications of the Upset
This defeat marks a noteworthy upset within the women’s draw, following a previous day filled with surprises on the men’s side of the tournament. Pegula, a strong contender given her adeptness on grass, was one of the few favorites in a field that appears increasingly wide-open following her exit. Cocciaretto now advances to the second round where she will meet either Katy Volynets or Tatjana Maria, continuing her pursuit of a deeper run in the championship.
