Coco Gauff’s grass‑court opener ended in defeat, losing 1‑6, 6‑3, 6‑2 to Paula Badosa in Berlin.
The American fifth seed dominated the first set but her serve faltered as the Spaniard, ranked 142 and on a wildcard, broke twice in each of the last two sets to seal victory in 96 minutes.
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Badosa snapped a five‑match losing streak and will meet doubles partner Jessica Pegula, who beat Katerina Siniakova 6‑2, 6‑4. Gauff, winner of Roland Garros in 2025, remains winless on grass since, with first‑round exits in Berlin and Wimbledon last year.
Teenager Alexandra Eala also advanced, saving 12 of 14 break points to defeat Queen’s champion Donna Vekic 7‑5, 6‑4. “She’s fighting back, but I’m also a fighter,” Eala said after her breakthrough win.
