Dayana Yastremska, ranked 42nd in the world, stunned the tennis world by knocking out second-seed Coco Gauff in the first round of Wimbledon 2025. But beyond her explosive performance, Yastremska stands out for two highly unusual traits for a grass-court specialist: a grass allergy and a budding music career under the alias “DY.”
🌱 Grass Allergy: Loving and Loathing the Surface
In a twist of poetic irony, Yastremska has openly admitted she’s allergic to grass—the very tennis surface at Wimbledon. She shared the struggle during her Nottingham Open final run: “I really love playing on grass, even though I think I have a bit of an allergy to grass!” Despite the sneezing, itching, or watery eyes that come with her allergy, she has flourished: reaching Nottingham’s final and now ousting Gauff on Centre Court, 7‑6, 6‑1. Her resilience turns what could be a weakness into a tale of triumph.
🎤 Music Career: Athlete Meets Artist
Off-court, Yastremska channels creativity into music. During the pandemic, she launched a second career, releasing singles “Thousands of Me” and “Favourite Track” in 2020. Known by her stage name DY, she continues to juggle tennis with studio sessions, merging athletic intensity and artistic expression.
It’s rare to see such a dual life at the professional level, yet Yastremska embraces it fully—modeling, creating music, and now dominating on a surface that physically annoys her. Her Instagram boasts over 215,000 followers, reflecting her multifaceted persona.
🎾 On-Court Execution: Bringing the Fire
Yastremska’s win over Gauff wasn’t a fluke—it reflected form and fearless play. She entered Wimbledon off strong grass-court results (Nottingham final, Eastbourne quarter-final). On the court, she came out guns blazing: her low, powerful forehand and composed baseline game allowed her to break Gauff’s serve three times in set two . Gauff was visibly rattled, committing nine double faults and 29 unforced errors.
Following the upset, Yastremska reflected, “I love playing on grass, I feel like this season we are friends,” adding that she was “really on fire”. Her confidence is palpable—and her multifaceted identity gives her even more depth.
🌍 A Story of Resilience
Born in Odesa on May 15, 2000, Yastremska faced adversity early in 2022, fleeing Ukraine with her sister due to the Russian invasion. She overcame a provisional doping suspension in 2021, later cleared of wrongdoing. These personal trials have shaped her into not only a strong competitor, but also an inspiring public figure known for her determination on and off the court.
💭 What This Means for Wimbledon
Her victory over Gauff shakes up the draw—yet it also spotlights a fresh narrative: a grass-allergic, singing Ukrainian taking on the elite. It adds color, personality, and human interest to Wimbledon’s storied tradition.
What’s next? Yastremska will carry momentum forward, while Gauff must regroup—perhaps humbled but hopeful. But regardless of how far Yastremska advances, her unique blend of allergy, artistry, and athleticism ensures she’ll be one of the most talked-about stories of Wimbledon 2025.
📌 In Summary
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Dayana Yastremska overcame a grass allergy to shock Coco Gauff 7‑6, 6‑1.
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She balances tennis with a music career as “DY,” releasing singles in 2020.
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Her background—from fleeing Ukraine to overcoming a doping dispute—adds to her compelling presence