This Ukrainian Star Could Ruin Coco Gauff's Wimbledon Dreams (And She's Literally Allergic to Grass)

By Lewis Barnett 2 July, 2025 6 mins read 33 Views

Listen. I've been covering tennis for eight years now, and I thought I'd seen everything.

Then Dayana Yastremska shows up at Nottingham, plays some of the most gorgeous grass-court tennis I've witnessed all season, and casually mentions afterward that she's allergic to the stuff she's been sliding around on for two weeks. The irony is so thick you could serve it with afternoon tea.

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When Your Body Betrays Your Dreams

Coco Gauff opens her Wimbledon campaign today against this 25-year-old Ukrainian, and honestly? After watching Yastremska's recent form, I'm not betting my mortgage on an easy American victory. The girl just reached the Nottingham final while her immune system was basically staging a revolt against the playing surface.

"I really love playing on grass, even though I think I have a bit of an allergy to grass!" she said after her semifinal win. The way she laughed when she said it... like, imagine being a fish who's allergic to water.

But here's the thing that gets me. Yastremska isn't just some feel-good story about overcoming seasonal allergies. She's ranked 42nd in the world, has 216,000 Instagram followers, and oh yeah – she released two actual music singles during COVID lockdown.

From Underground Parking Garages to Centre Court

God, where do I even start with her backstory?

February 2022. Russia invades Ukraine. Yastremska spends two nights hiding in an underground parking garage with her family before her parents make the impossible decision to send their daughters away from everything they've ever known.

The Instagram post she shared still gives me chills: "After spending two nights in the underground parking, my parents made a decision at any cost to send me and my little sister out of Ukraine. Mom, Dad, we love you very much, take care of yourself!!! I love you my country!"

Three exclamation points. Like she was trying to convince herself as much as anyone else that everything would be okay.

Plot Twist: She's Also a Recording Artist

While everyone else was baking sourdough during the pandemic, Yastremska decided to drop two singles. "Thousands of Me" and "Favourite Track." I actually listened to them (occupational hazard of being curious), and they're... not terrible? Which somehow makes this whole story even more surreal.

She models for Yonex, posts glamorous shots from the Trevi Fountain, and apparently loves football enough to rock a bright pink puffer vest in stadium suites. The girl's living about seven different lives simultaneously.

The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Don't Tell the Whole Story Either)

Gauff leads their head-to-head 3-0. Sounds comfortable, right?

Wrong. Earlier this year in Madrid, Yastremska bageled Gauff in the first set. 6-0. Made the French Open champion look like she'd never held a racket before. Gauff eventually won that match, but it took everything she had – the kind of grinding, three-hour war that leaves both players questioning their life choices.

That's the thing about Yastremska. She's been as high as 21st in the world, survived a doping scare in 2021 (contamination, not cheating – the tribunal cleared her after six months), and rebuilt her ranking while dealing with literal war in her homeland.

Why This Match Matters More Than Rankings Suggest

Poor Coco probably thought she'd get a nice, gentle first-round warmup. Instead, she's facing someone who's been through more adversity before breakfast than most players experience in their entire careers.

Yastremska's got that dangerous combination of talent and nothing-left-to-lose mentality. Plus, she's actually figured out how to play grass despite her body's best efforts to sabotage her with histamine reactions.

My editor texted me this morning: "Think Gauff's in trouble?" Honestly? Yeah, I do. Not because Yastremska's the better player – she isn't. But because she's got the kind of story that makes people play above their level when the lights are brightest.

And at Wimbledon, those lights are pretty bright.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the historical roots for tennis?

Tennis originated in 12th-century France, when monks played a game known as jeu de paume using their hands to strike the ball. Tennis evolved over time as rackets became available. In the 16th-century, the game had become popular among European nobility. Tennis has seen many changes over the years, such as the introduction of lawn-tennis in the nineteenth century and the standardization of rules.

What are tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments?

The four Grand Slams, or Majors as they are sometimes called, are among the most prestigious tournaments in professional tennis. The Australian Open takes place every January, followed by the French Open and Wimbledon in May, June, and July. Finally, the US Open and Australian Open take place in August and September. The tournaments are renowned for their level of competition, history, and significant prize money and ranking points. Grand Slams in tennis are considered the highest achievements.

What is the significance of the grass courts at Wimbledon?

The grass courts at Wimbledon hold a special place in the tennis world as it is the only Grand Slam still played on this traditional surface. Grass courts offer a game with a high-speed, low bounce that challenges players in new ways. Wimbledon, formally known as The Championships, Wimbledon, began in 1877 and has maintained a reputation for its history, tradition, and strict dress code. Wimbledon's venerable grass courts are often regarded as the pinnacle of a tennis players career.

What role has tennis icons played in the popularization of the sport?

Tennis icons play a key role in the popularization of the sport around world. Throughout the sport's history, players with charisma and skill like Billie Jean King have captured public imagination. Their successes on and off the court have inspired fans of the sport to continue playing. The legacy of these players goes beyond the titles they have won. It also includes shaping the culture and marketplace for tennis.

What has been the impact of women on tennis?

Women have shaped tennis significantly, both through on-court performances and off-court advocacy for equality and recognition. Billie Jean King's advocacy for equal prize money and career opportunities was a major reason why the Women's Tennis Association, or WTA, was founded in 1973. Steffi Graef, Venus & Serena Williams & Martina Navratilova have all contributed to the rise of tennis through their talent ad competitive spirit. The sport is popular with both men and women.

Statistics

Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
Graphite became a popular material for tennis racquets in the 1980s, with over 90% of professional players now using graphite or graphite composite racquets.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.

External Links

How To

Tennis Shoes: How to Choose the Right Shoes for your Court Surface

Tennis shoes should be selected according to the court surface that you play on most often. Hard court players will want durable soles made to resist abrasive surface. Clay court shoes are often designed with herringbone treads for maximum grip and control. Grass court footwear often has nubs or a pimpled bottom to give traction and not damage the court. Ensure that your shoes are properly fitted and supported to avoid injuries and increase movement efficiency on court.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/tennis/that-phone-call-from-sir-alex-still-makes-me-shiver