Coco Gauff emerged victorious over tennis veteran Venus Williams in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 15-year-old rising star from America, who previously defeated Venus Williams in the first round on Wimbledon’s Court Number One last summer, convincingly defeated the seven-time Grand Slam champion with a score of 7-6 6-3 in her debut appearance at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday.
Following the match, 39-year-old Venus, who is currently ranked 55th in the world, praised Gauff for her exceptional performance, stating: ‘She clearly wants it, works very hard, is extremely mature for her age,’ said Williams. ‘I think the sky’s the limit for her.’
Gauff expressed her gratitude by saying: “I want to say thank you guys so much. You were chanting my name. I only thought that would happen at the US Open.
“For you guys to do that for me at the Australian Open means a lot.
“It was really difficult. She played really well and I mean I was really nervous for this match. I was shocked like everybody else when they saw the draw come out.
“I am glad I was able to get through it. I feel great. I like this court and this crowd.”