15-year-old qualifier Cori Gauff was drowned in tears after defeating her idol and five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round. World No 313 Gauff beat Williams – 24 years her senior at 39 – 6-4, 6-4 on Court One.
Speaking on BBC Two, Gauff said:
‘It’s the first time I have ever cried after winning a match, I don’t know how to explain how I feel.
‘I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself ‘stay calm’.’
The two shared a few words at the net, with Gauff recounting:
‘She told me congratulations and keep going, she said good luck and I told her thanks for everything she did.
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her – I told her she was so inspiring and I’ve always wanted to tell her that but I’ve never had the guts to before.’
Honestly I don’t really know how to feel. That’s the first time I have ever cried after winning a match. I don’t even know how to explain how I feel.
I had to tell myself to stay calm, I have never played on such a big court. I had to remind myself of the lines on the court. Everything around it might be bigger, but the lines are the same.
I know my parents are super happy, my dad was jumping up every time I won a point.
I am literally living my dream right now and not many people get to say that.
The Florida born who grew up admiring the Williams sisters is the 12th youngest overall to play in the Wimbledon main draw, but the youngest to come through qualifying.
