15-Year-Old Cori Gauff Makes History, Beats Venus Williams At Wimbledon
15-Year-Old Cori Gauff Makes History, Beats Venus Williams At Wimbledon
A new star is on the raise in tennis! On Monday, Cori Gauff, 15, defeated the 6-time Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams in the first round, 6-4, 6-4. The Atlanta native, Gauff is also the youngest woman to win in the first round of ladies’ singles Wimbledon since 1991. Even as the teen was listed at No.313, the 15-year-old fought hard for 79 astounding minutes, breaking into tears in her moment of victory. After shocking herself defeating a former No. 1 tennis star, Gauff says,
“This is the first time I ever cried after winning a match. 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.”
She continues, adding how she kept herself calm during her match with Venus.
“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 hand 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.”
Prior to their first round match on Monday, Gauff spoke about how she idolized the William sisters. Gauff said growing up that Serena Willaims was,
“the reason why I play tennis”.
In late 2018, the upcoming tennis star inked a multi-year endorsement contract with one of the leading sportswear manufacturer, New Balance. To add, the teen is set to earn more than $1 million this year, according to Forbes.
“Gauff is on track to earn at least $1 million in 2019 from the trio of endorsements.”
Since stepped onto the tennis scene at the age of 8, Gauff says she wants to be a role model for young athletes as herself.
“I want to be a role model to as many young athletes as possible. Still to this day, I watch my role models on TV and it motivates me to one day be able to play on the biggest stage.”
?UPSET ALERT?
Venus Williams just lost to 273-ranked Cori Gauff. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/3LT7fs106F
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) July 1, 2019
What are your thoughts on Cori Gauff’s victory over Venus Williams? Let us know in the comments!