Coco Gauff issues hilarious apology to Amanda Anisimova after Wimbledon slip-up: 'My bad, I love you!'

WIMBLEDON, LONDON — Coco Gauff is hoping an American woman can once again enjoy a deep run at Wimbledon this year — and it seems last year's early exit for herself is already well behind her.

The world No.7 has endured a rough couple of years on grass. Before her first round, 6-4, 6-2 win over Tamara Korpatsch today, she hadn't won since the third round of the 2024 Championships against Sonay Kartel.

Defeat to Dayana Yastremska in the opening round last year did pave the way for some American success though as Amanda Anisimova reached the final, only to lose in straight sets to Iga Swiatek.
 
When discussing her first grass win of the year she accidentally forgot about her friend's incredible run last year.

"Definitely I play with more topspin. Also because the way my grip is. I don't know. I think maybe just because of the way I grew up, was younger. That's just how I always felt comfortable on clay," Gauff said.

"Then I won French Open juniors. I do think sometimes early on in your career those junior results do matter because you feel confident on a certain surface and a certain thing.

"But yeah, hopefully one of the women can make one of the finals here. I don't remember the last time an American has made the final here on the women's side."

When reminded by a reporter about Anisimova's journey last year at SW19, she laughed in response: "Oh, Amanda, yes. Sorry, Amanda!

"Yeah, well, she was the last. My bad. I love you. I'm so sorry. I lost first round last year, so honestly Wimbledon was over for me."

Gauff looked sharp from the off as she took the opening set 6-2 inside half an hour. Using her athleticism she pulled off a few neat lobs that had her opponent often baffled at how to deal with the perfected shots she was facing, frustrated she was coming out second best every time.

She was soon four games up in the second with the world No.78 yet to show a response and the 20-year-old seemingly taking the opportunity in the latter stages to fine-tune her serves; two aces in the fifth game had her one away from the second round.

A huge cheer erupted from the crowd as Korpatsch won the first point in final game; the German letting out a wry smile and acknowledging her small gains at that point as she went onto get on the board. Gauff was in no mood to open the door anymore though, closing out the game to love with ease.

Gauff next plays on Wednesday against Uruguayan Solana Sierra in the second round. Anisimova is also into the second round after defeating Laura Siegemund 6-1. 6-3.