#BlackGirlMagic: Let me tell y’all about Cori “Coco” Gauff. First off, she’s the youngest player at 15-years-old to qualify for #Wimbledon.
Now, the #Atlanta native just defeated one of her idols, 39-year-old #VenusWilliams, in straight sets during today’s first-round match. The newcomer not only defeated Venus, who is the no. 44 player in the world, but she’s also the youngest woman to win a Wimbledon match since 1991, Time reports.
“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.”
Venus is one of Cori’s idols. She said Venus told her this after she beat her: “‘Congratulations, keep going and good luck.’ I just told her I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her, she’s so inspiring. I’ve always wanted to tell her that but I’ve never had the guts to before.”
“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,” Cori added.
Cori won her first set in 35 minutes. Gauff is the 12th youngest overall to play in the Wimbledon main draw, but the youngest person to qualify.
“Venus Williams, when the draw was coming out, would have been saying, ‘please don’t put me against Coco Gauff’ because it’s like looking in the mirror,” three-time Wimbledon men’s champion John McEnroe told BBC Sport. “I don’t say this lightly, but if she isn’t No.1 by the time she is 20 I would be absolutely shocked.”
Roommates, we are excited to cheer on Cori and her journey to greatness! Stay here for all the latest!
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
