Cori “Coco” Gauff beat her idol Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion, at this year’s tournament and she’s only 15.
This Monday, Gauff came out with a win against Williams at her debut in the Wimbledon tournament. Gauff is the youngest player in the Open era to advance through qualifying to reach Wimbledon’s main draw, according to CNN. However, she went even further and beat 39-year-old Williams 6-4, 6-4 in their first-round clash at the All England Club.
“I don’t really know how to feel, this is the first time I’ve cried after a match, after winning,” Gauff told BBC. Later, she added: “I never thought this would happen. I’m living my dream right now, not many people get to say that.” Gauff said Williams congratulated her and told her to keep on striving. In response, Gauff said, “I just told her I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her, she’s so inspiring. I’ve always wanted to tell her that, but I’ve never had the guts to before.”
“My parents will be super happy; my dad was jumping up every time I won a point. I’m so happy they spent all their time on me and my brothers and making sure we’re successful,” she added.
Gauff took the first set in 35 minutes and held three match points in the second before Williams forced break point, CNN reports. Gauff’s fourth match point ended with a win in one hour 19 minutes on Wimbledon’s No. 1 court.
Congratulations to Gauff!
