Cori “Coco” Gauff beat Venus Williams in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Fifteen-year-old Gauff beat the seven-time grand slam champion 7-6 6-3, which makes her second time defeating Williams.
The first was last year at Wimbledon, but this time the teen said she was in a different head space since she wasn’t used to playing in front of so many people in 2019.
“I definitely was more confident this time,” she explained. “I think I was used to playing on big courts, so the crowd, I guess the size of the crowd didn’t startle me as much as last time. Definitely a bit more positive coming into this match.”
According to ESPN, Gauff has become just the fourth woman in the past 30 years to win six or more major matches before turning 16.
After the Florida native defeated the 39-year old Williams, she thanked the local crowd for giving her a lot of support.
“I just want to say thank you guys. You guys were chanting my name and I only thought that would happen at the U.S. Open,” she stated. “To hear that here in Australia means a lot to me.”
She also went on Twitter after the victory and wrote, “1st win beat my idol Aussie crowds Great day #AustralianOpen #blessed.”
“Passing of the torch. Take it and run. Congratulations,” wrote one of her Twitter followers.
“Congratulations Coco! Beautifully played, well deserved win! Huge hug to you,” another comment read.
“Congratulations! And we are looking forward to more,” a third person stated.
Then a fourth wrote, “I SQUEALED. Or maybe it was more of a very high-pitched squeak. Congrats, girrrl!!!”
