Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff is the 15-year-old who just defeated Venus Williams, in the first round of the 2019 Wimbledon Tournament Monday. The victory makes her the youngest player to win a match at Wimbledon in almost three decades. Gauff is the youngest player to qualify for the main draw in the professional era.
“I don’t even know how to explain how I feel,” Gauff, who wiped away a tear as she walked off Court One, said moments after her remarkable win.
“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I have never played on a court so big, but I had to remind myself that the lines on the court are the same size, everything around it might be bigger, but the lines are the same and after every point I was just telling myself to stay calm.
“I never thought this would happen, I am literally living my dream right now, and not many get to say that.
“So I am just happy that Wimbledon gave me the opportunity just to play and I obviously never thought it would be this far,” added the teenager, who was given a wildcard into the qualifying tournament.
The rising tennis player had nothing but goods things to say about the tennis legend she played against, “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. Gauff revealed Williams said to her afterward: “Congratulations, keep going and good luck.”
Gauff was born in Georgia but lives in Delray Beach, Florida with father Corey, a college basketball star, and mother Candi, a talented college track and field athlete. She is the oldest of two two younger brothers.
By BSM Media Team
Feature Image: EPA
