LONDON — In a stunning turn of events at Wimbledon 2024, Coco Gauff and 22 other seeded players were upset in the early rounds, sparking both shock and excitement among fans and officials alike.
A Historic Wave of Upsets
The All England Club witnessed one of the most unpredictable starts in recent Wimbledon history, with defending champion Markéta Vondroušová, world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, and rising American star Coco Gauff all falling before the second week. A Wimbledon board member, speaking anonymously, declared, "It's great for the tournament—tennis thrives on unpredictability."
Gauff, the No. 2 seed, was ousted in a thrilling three-set battle against British wildcard Emma Raducanu, who delivered a masterclass in front of a roaring home crowd. The match lasted over two hours, with Raducanu clinching the final set 7-5. "I just tried to stay composed and trust my game," Raducanu said afterward.
Key Upsets in the First Week
The list of early exits reads like a who’s who of women’s tennis:
- Coco Gauff (No. 2) – Lost to Emma Raducanu (6-4, 3-6, 5-7)
- Aryna Sabalenka (No. 3) – Defeated by qualifier Daria Snigur (4-6, 6-7)
- Markéta Vondroušová (No. 6) – Crushed by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (2-6, 1-6)
Other notable casualties included Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, and Iga Świątek, who narrowly escaped an upset herself, surviving a grueling three-setter against Yulia Putintseva. The sheer volume of upsets has led to discussions about the depth of talent in women’s tennis.
Board Member Praises the Chaos
A senior Wimbledon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters, "While we always expect surprises, this year has been extraordinary. It’s a testament to the strength of the tour—anyone can beat anyone on any given day." The board member also hinted that the unpredictability could boost viewership, with underdog stories captivating audiences.
The Impact on the Tournament
With so many top seeds out, the draw has opened up for lesser-known players to make deep runs. Players like Lulu Sun, ranked outside the top 100, and 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva now find themselves in contention for the quarterfinals. "This is my chance," Andreeva said after her straight-sets win over a seeded opponent.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The upsets have sent shockwaves across social media, with fans debating whether this signals a changing of the guard in women’s tennis. One fan tweeted, "Wimbledon 2024 is proof rankings don’t matter—it’s all about who shows up on the day."
Meanwhile, bookmakers have scrambled to adjust odds, with former outsiders now considered serious title contenders. Raducanu, who entered the tournament ranked outside the top 150, has seen her odds slashed from 200/1 to 20/1 after her win over Gauff.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the remaining favorites—like Świątek and Zheng Qinwen—can hold their nerve or if another underdog will emerge victorious. One thing is certain: Wimbledon 2024 has already delivered unforgettable drama.
In the words of the anonymous board member, "This is what makes tennis special. The favorites may fall, but the sport always wins."