15 year-old Cori Gauff just defeated one of her tennis idols, Venus Williams, in straight sets during a Monday first-round match at Wimbledon.
She defeated the No. 44 player in the world in straight sets, 6-4 6-4.
Gauff, who goes by “Coco,” is the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon. She’s also the youngest woman to win a Wimbledon match since 1991, according to ESPN.
“This is the first time I ever cried after winning a match,” Gauff told the BBC after her win. “I never thought this would happen. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m literally living my dream. Not many people get to say that.”
Who is Cori Gauff?
Gauff’s record-breaking career has already earned her an international following. She’s adding youngest Wimbledon qualifier to a list of other youngest-ever’s — at 13, she was the youngest to reach the U.S. Open girl’s final and at age 15, she was the youngest female to win in a qualifying match in the French Open. Her tennis career began at age eight and she ranks No. 313 in the world.
Gauff follows in the footsteps of Venus and Serena Williams, who Gauff’s family and coaches credit for paving the path for a young black teenage girl. Originally from Atlanta, Gauff now lives in Delray Beach, Florida. She has trained at the Mouratoglou Academy in France since she was 10, and is expected to earn $1 million this year in sponsorships from New Balance, racket maker Head and the pasta company Barilla.
How is Cori Gauff making Wimbledon history?
Gauff is the youngest player to qualify for a Wimbledon Grand Slam match. Before the tournament, Gauff’s dream was to play her tennis idols, Venus and Serena Williams. On Monday, Gauff defeated Williams, the five time Wimbledon champion who was on her way to winning her 90th Wimbledon singles match.
“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm during the match. I never played on a court that’s so big,” Gauff said in a BBC interview after the match. “I had to remind myself that the lines are the same size as any other court.”
How did Gauff and Williams react to the surprising victory?
Gauff’s emotions came through after her win as she approached Williams for a handshake.
“When we shook hands she told me congratulations and to keep going and good luck,” Gauff said in a BBC interview after the match. “I said ‘thank you for everything you’ve done’ – I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”
Her parents Cori and Candi Gauff, could be seen cheering from the sidelines.
“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.”
Source:timenews.com
