London, July 2 (V7N) — Just days after capturing the Bad Hamburg grass court title, American tennis star Jessica Pegula faced a surprising early exit from Wimbledon, losing in the first round to Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

Cocciaretto, 24, currently ranked No. 116 in the world, defeated the No. 3 seed Pegula in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 in a swift 58-minute match. The Italian’s aggressive and precise gameplay overwhelmed Pegula, who was unable to find her usual rhythm.

Pegula, fresh off her Hamburg victory where she stunned five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, acknowledged her opponent’s impressive performance. “She played absolutely incredible tennis,” Pegula said after the match. “Do I think I played the best match ever? No. But I definitely don't think I was playing bad. It wasn’t like I was playing that bad. She just was hitting her shots and going for it, serving big, serving high percentage, going big second serves, redirecting the ball. It was just her day, I honestly think.”

The loss marked a stark contrast to Pegula’s recent winning form on grass and sends her home earlier than expected from one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments. Meanwhile, Cocciaretto advances to the second round, earning recognition for her remarkable upset.

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