A 15 year old, Cory “Coco” Gauff on Monday defeated Venus Williams 6–4, 6–4, in their Wimbledon game to the shock of the world.
Gauff became the youngest player since 1991 to win in the first round of the ladies’ singles after the win.
Speaking to BBC after the game, she said: “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.”
Gauff’s tennis career began at age 8 and she currently ranks No. 313 in the world.
She achieved No. 1 ranking in her junior career and was the youngest ever US Open junior finalist.
She’s also the youngest Wimbledon qualifier, who at 13 became the youngest to reach the U.S. Open girl’s final.
Speaking about the game, Williams said the sky was the limit for Gauff.
She said: “She played so well. Even all the shank balls went in. I actually didn’t play well. It was a contrast. She put the ball in the court, which was much better than I did.”
