Karolina Muchova defeated Coco Gauff, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10) in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Gauff couldn’t have been much closer to the Wimbledon final, blundering a simple forehand on match point.
Her opponent, Muchova, was quick to take advantage, battling through some physical discomfort to reach her second Grand Slam final.
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During BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wimbledon coverage, former champion Marion Bartoli admitted she felt like crying for both players.
Marion Bartoli says Coco Gauff will have ‘nightmares’ about failed match point for days
“Honestly, I’m just sitting there, and I’m feeling like I’m about to cry for both players,” said Bartoli.
“I’m about to cry with happiness for [Karolina] Muchova, because what a match she came through, winning 12 points to 10 in the super tiebreak in that third set, after playing incredible tennis. Coming back from that second set that she lost 6-1, feeling the momentum was switching.
“And I’m crying for Coco Gauff, who had that match point on her racket.
“She’s going to have nightmares about that match point for days and days.”
Bartoli continued, sympathising with the young American who missed a golden opportunity to reach her first Wimbledon final.
“Unfortunately, in tennis, only one can win, but you sometimes feel both deserve to win,” she said.
“That’s how tight this match was, that’s how enjoyable this match was.
“Every single person on this Centre Court, I’m sure, had the best afternoon of their lives watching those two competitors go toe-to-toe.
Karolina Muchova vs Coco Gauff – Match stats
| Stats | Karolina Muchova | Coco Gauff |
| Aces | 3 | 3 |
| Double faults | 0 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 56% | 56% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 69% | 70% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 58% | 60% |
| Break points won | 2/6 | 2/13 |
| Net points won | 14/26 | 32/45 |
| Unforced errors | 32 | 35 |
| Winner | 31 | 32 |
| Total points won | 95 | 98 |
“But you can’t help but feel so full of joy for Muchova, who is reaching her full potential that we know she has, but so full of sadness for Coco as well, who had that match point on her racket, fought so hard to get herself back into this match, got into that position, and didn’t come up with the right tactical choice in the crucial moment.
“It’s just so cruel, it’s so cruel.”
If that same ball had come to Gauff at any other point in the match, she would likely have put it away with ease.
But on match point, with a place in the Wimbledon final up for grabs, she made the wrong decision and paid the price.
What’s next for Coco Gauff after Wimbledon exit?
It will take some time for Gauff to recover from such a heartbreaking defeat, but when she does, she can reflect on a strong showing at the All England Club.
She arrived in London having last won a grass-court match in 2024, but surprised everyone, herself included, by reaching the semi-finals.
Gauff’s fighting spirit was on full display at this year’s Championships, winning four matches in a deciding set en route to the last four.
Unfortunately, her ‘luck’, ran out in the semis, losing in a third-set tiebreak to Muchova.
Coco Gauff at Wimbledon in 2026
- 1R [WIN] vs Tamara Korpatsch, 6-2, 6-1
- 2R [WIN] vs Solana Sierra, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7)
- 3R [WIN] vs Claire Liu, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2
- 4R [WIN] vs Belinda Bencic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
- QF [WIN] vs Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
- SF [WIN] vs Karolina Muchova, 2-6, 6-1, 6-7 (10-12)
The issue for Gauff is that her biggest weakness often disguises itself as her greatest strength.
Her ability to win thrilling three-set matches is commendable, but shouldn’t a player of her calibre be able to win in straights?
The true greats handle their business without the drama Gauff’s matches often provide.
If Gauff wants to become one of the greats, she must find a way to win matches comfortably.
Whether that comes from an improvement in her serve or her forehand, or a change in mentality, something must be done, or this won’t be the last time she loses a match like this.
Gavin MacMillan and Jean-Cristophe Faurel have their work cut out for them as they look to guide Gauff to her third Grand Slam title.
