Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff’s Historic Win Against Venus Williams At Wimbledon
A LEGENDARY TENNIS MATCH BETWEEN A STUDENT AND HER IDOL
Congratulations are in order!
The history of tennis was re-written yesterday by the 15 years old Cori Gauff when she defeated tennis icon Venus Williams 39, during her Grand Slam debut in Wimbledon.
Wimbledon 2019
She has proven her exceptional talent in Wimbledon, having won the Girls’ Singles title five times.
Cori Coco Gauff, born in March 2004 in Atlanta, started playing tennis when she was seven.
Her athletic skillset wasn’t a coincidence because her mother was an athlete, while her father played basketball at Georgia State University.
Since late 2018, Gauff signed multi-year sponsorship contracts with New Balance and Barilla (which sponsors Roger Federer). In the same year, she won her first Junior Grand Slam title at the French Open.
In addition, she won the Girl’s Doubles at the US Open along with Caty McNally.
Youngest Wimbledon Player
June 2019, she became the youngest person to qualify for the finals at Wimbledon –US Open and the Grand Slam main draw. Her opponent was Venus Williams. After straight sets with a 6-4, 6-4 display, Gauff defeated Williams in the first round.
It wasn’t an easy job for sure. Gauff won the first set after hitting the ball high and deep into Williams’ court. At the beginning of the more challenging second set, Williams had two double faults; however, Gauff couldn’t use it on her favor.
Nevertheless, Gauff’s shots and Williams’ failure to greet the ball with her forehand determined the ultimate score.
This was Williams’ third opening round defeat and the first ever since 1997.
“I am literally living my dream right now, and not many get to say that.” ~ Gauff
She also admitted to being extremely anxious before the game, as she had never played on such a big court.
The preparation period before the game was a bit rough for her since she also had to attend her classes. She even had to take a science test while the tournament was still on. Lucky for her, the teachers were considerate and also proud when they found out that she reached the main draw.
Gauff’s highlight of the night was when she met Williams in person after the match. She thanked Williams, saying that she has always been the source of inspiration for her.
Williams was equally impressed and satisfied after meeting her. Williams’ statement about Gauff “the sky is the limit for Gauff” shows just how much faith she has in her.
