Watch out world, Cori “Coco” Gauff is a force to be reckoned with as she is one of the top up-and-coming women’s tennis players in the world right now. The 15-year-old American Tennis phenom became the youngest player since Anna Kournikova in 1996, to advance to the third round of the US Open.
The 15-year-old from Florida beat Timea Babos of Hungary 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 by breaking in the last game of the nearly 2 1/2-hour match at Louis Armstrong Stadium Thursday.
“I was tested a lot. I think we both were just testing each other,” Gauff said to reporters. “It’s just that type of match where anyone could have won.”
She added, “I couldn’t even see any empty seats,” which included retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.
Gauff came into this year’s tournament with all eyes on her after a stellar run at Wimbledon, where she beat her idol and five-time champion Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round.
Now with her advancement, she is set up to face-off against No. 1 seed and defending champion 21-year-old Naomi Osaka, who also holds the Australian Open title.
“Obviously she’s an amazing player,” said Gauff. “She’s defending champion. She’s won two slams. She’s number one. She’s only 21.”
Gauff vs. Osaka is scheduled for Saturday.
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