Follow

Wimbledon: Cori Gauff Defeats Venus Williams, Becomes Youngest Player To Advance

15-year-old Cori Gauff faced her tennis idol Venus Williams (39) at Wimbledon on Monday.

Gauff, known as "Coco," was the youngest player to reach the main draw via qualifying. Gauff defeated Williams 6-4, 6-4 in their first-round clash at the All England Club. She won the first set in 35 minutes, and held three match points in the second set before Williams forced break point.

“This is the first time I ever cried after winning a match,” Gauff told the BBC.

“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.

“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm during the match. I never played on a court that’s so big. I had to remind myself that the lines are the same size as any other court. When we shook hands, she told me congratulations and to keep going and good luck. I said, ‘Thank you for everything you’ve done’ — I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”

What did Williams have to say? When the BBC asked Gauff what Williams said at the net, "She told me congratulations and keep going, she said good luck and I told her thanks for everything she did."

More From LATF USA

Scroll to Top