Coco Gauff says how she feels about having to play Dayana Yastremska again after losing to her at Wimbledon

Coco Gauff is set for a highly anticipated rematch with Dayana Yastremska at the Cincinnati Open — and the American star isn’t shying away from the challenge. Just weeks after her shock exit at Wimbledon to the Ukrainian, Gauff now has the chance to turn the tables on her home soil.

Speaking ahead of the match, the 20-year-old admitted that her defeat at the All England Club still lingers in her mind but insists she’s ready to approach this meeting with a fresh mindset. “Obviously, Wimbledon didn’t go the way I wanted, but every match is a new opportunity,” Gauff said. “I know what to expect this time, and I’m going to use what I learned from that loss to my advantage.”

At Wimbledon, Yastremska’s aggressive baseline play and fearless shot-making disrupted Gauff’s rhythm, ultimately leading to a surprise third-round upset. Since then, the world No. 2 has been working on adjusting her strategies for opponents with such explosive styles.

Gauff acknowledged that familiarity with Yastremska’s game could be a weapon in their upcoming encounter. “She’s a very aggressive player, and you have to be ready from the first point,” she explained. “Last time, I think I gave her too many short balls and she took advantage. This time, I’ll be looking to dictate the rallies more.”

The Cincinnati Open holds extra meaning for Gauff, who is the defending champion. She knows the local support could play a role in swinging momentum in her favor. “Playing at home is always special,” she said. “The energy here is unmatched, and I’m going to feed off the crowd as much as I can.”

Yastremska, ranked outside the top 25, has already proven she can trouble top-tier opponents. Her fearless approach and willingness to take risks make her a dangerous draw in any tournament. But Gauff remains confident that she’s better prepared for this battle.

“It’s not about revenge,” Gauff stressed. “It’s about improving, competing, and playing my game. If I do that, I like my chances.”

Tennis fans are eagerly watching this rematch, with many curious to see if Gauff’s adjustments will be enough to flip the Wimbledon result. A win would not only keep her Cincinnati title defense alive but also serve as a statement heading into the US Open.