Just weeks after her triumphant French Open victory, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis prodigy, faced a stunning defeat at the Berlin Open on June 19, 2025, falling to Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu in a swift 6-3, 6-3 upset. The World No. 2, who had been riding high on her second Grand Slam title, struggled to find her rhythm on the grass courts, amassing 25 unforced errors and seven double faults. Yet, the real bombshell came from Wang, who, after reaching the final, revealed she nearly retired from the tournament early, casting Gauff’s loss in a new light and highlighting the unpredictable drama of the WTA 500 event.
Gauff’s Berlin campaign began with promise, as she received a first-round bye following her clay-court dominance in Paris, where she outlasted Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 final. However, the transition to grass proved daunting. “It was a tough one today, but happy to be back on court,” Gauff shared on social media, reflecting on the match. “Tried my best to adjust with the quick turnaround, but it wasn’t enough.” Her performance was uncharacteristically shaky, with a brief 3-1 lead in the second set evaporating as Wang, ranked No. 49, seized control with aggressive returns and steady serving. Gauff’s custom Miu Miu and New Balance outfit, a fan-favorite green-and-white ensemble, garnered praise online, but she lamented, “I wish I could give this kit some more screentime, as it’s definitely one of my favs.” Looking ahead, she expressed optimism: “I’m excited to get some more practices in to be ready for Wimbledon,” set to begin on June 30.
Wang’s victory was a career-defining moment, marking her biggest win to date. The 23-year-old qualifier, who entered Berlin after defeating Ons Jabeur, continued her dream run, toppling Paula Badosa and Liudmila Samsonova to reach the final against Sabalenka. Reflecting on her journey, Wang admitted, “This week has been a dream for me. I’ve been playing unbelievable tennis here. I don’t know, it’s something with Berlin, I guess.” Her candid revelation about nearly withdrawing before the final added a layer of intrigue. “We’re always saying that [you should] celebrate before the final because if you lose that, you don’t celebrate anything for this incredible week,” she said, hinting at the pressure and uncertainty that nearly derailed her campaign. Wang’s composure against Gauff, whom she admired as the French Open champion, was remarkable. “After I won the first set, I just told myself, ‘OK, let’s take a minute and enjoy this,’” she recalled, savoring the moment of toppling a tennis titan.
For Gauff, the Berlin loss was more than a professional setback; it underscored the personal toll of her rising stardom. In a poignant interview, she opened up about the barrage of online abuse she’s endured, including death threats and racist comments targeting her and her loved ones. “It’s the worst you can get,” Gauff said, her voice heavy with frustration. “I’ve had people DM my boyfriend and friends about it. Racist comments, like all you can imagine. It’s a gross kind of thing that we have going on in tennis.” She called for stronger action from the WTA and social media platforms, emphasizing the need for broader protections for athletes and influencers alike. “I would love for some of the social media platforms to get involved,” she urged, highlighting a pervasive issue in modern sports.
The Berlin Open also served as a stage for Gauff’s cultural impact. Marking Juneteenth, she used her platform to honor Black American heritage, posting a message of freedom and unity from Germany. Her resilience, both on and off the court, continues to inspire, even as she navigates setbacks like Berlin. As she prepares for Wimbledon, where she’s yet to advance past the fourth round, Gauff remains focused. “As always, I’m learning as I go, so I hope to do better next time,” she vowed. With her mental fortitude—praised by analysts like Greg Rusedski, who called her “mentally the strongest in the women’s game”—and a growing legacy, Gauff’s Berlin stumble is merely a detour in her quest for greatness.
Wang’s near-retirement revelation and Gauff’s candid reflections paint a vivid picture of tennis’s highs and lows. As Sabalenka and Wang vie for the Berlin title, Gauff’s early exit serves as a reminder of the sport’s relentless demands and the courage required to rise above defeat. With Wimbledon looming, all eyes are on Gauff to reclaim her form and silence her critics, both on the court and online.
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