CoCo Gauff Wimbledon’s Newest And @15 Youngest Star Beats Venus Williams Her Idol

By Ricky Dimon

 

At 15 years old,Coco Gauff became the youngest player in Open Era history to qualify for Wimbledon when she accomplished that feat last week at Roehampton. Afterward, the American was asked about whom she might like to face in the main draw.

 

“It would great to share the court with Venus or Serena,” Gauff said of the Williams sisters, her tennis-playing idols.

 

That dream became a reality when the draw ceremony was held last Friday at the All-England Club, where Gauff and Venus were pit against each other in the first round. But would it become a be-careful-what-you-wish-for situation for the teenager?

 

It would not.

 

Gauff not only got–in her words–her “dream draw,” but she also got her dream result. The Atlanta native and Delray Beach resident upset Venus 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes. Displaying maturity well beyond her years, Gauff committed a mere eight unforced errors while firing 18 winners. She also played clutch, converting all three of her break-point chances and showing no signs of nerves while serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

“On the court, I was not thinking about Venus; I was just playing my game,” Gauff explained. “No matter who I play against, I want to win. So that’s what I was just thinking about the whole time. I wasn’t really thinking about who I was facing on the other side of the net.”

 

“She played so well,” Venus praised. I actually didn’t play well. It was a contrast of both sides.”

 

“I’m really happy to see her playing great,” Venus assured. “I think the sky’s the limit. It really is.”

 

Gauff, humble but confident, does not disagree. In her post-match press conference she was asked how far she can go in this tournament.

 

Her reply? “My goal is to win it.”

 

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.

 

Editor’s Note • Coco’s composure reminded the older generation here at 10sBalls of Maureen Connolly. Yes, “Little Mo”.

Today we saw a star emerge. Today we saw Venus a true champion handles things as Rudyard Kipling would express. Bravo. It’s a win for tennis (LJ)