15-year-old Williams conqueror: “I want to win Wimbledon”

The American was born on March 13, 2004, when her 39-year-old compatriot Williams already had two of her five Wimbledon titles in her pocket. Apparently in disbelief, Gauff cheered on the modernized Court 1 late on Monday evening, but the victory wasn't all that unexpected for her. “I was just surprised because so many people were screaming for me. I’ve never played on such a big pitch.”

“I want to be the greatest.” cori gauff Due to the late hour, the large interview room at Gauff's appointment was not packed, but it was still very well attended. The teenager also impressed with her self-assured demeanor and her confidence when it came to sports. “I want to be the greatest. My father told me I could do this when I was eight years old. If I had only planned to win a few games against Venus, I wouldn’t have won.”

She believes that many people set goals that are too narrow. Once the plan has been implemented, you ask yourself what happens next. “I prefer to set my goals higher.” Accordingly, the goal of the junior winner of the French Open 2018 is formulated very optimistically: “My goal is to win the tournament. I mean, it's just a tournament. I've played a lot of them. Sure it’s a little different, but now I’ll relax before round two.”

In the meets the world number 313. on Wednesday against Magdalena Rybarikova, who is twice her age; the Slovakian eliminated Aryna Sabalenka (BLR-10). If Gauff continues, Madison Keys (USA-17), Simona Halep (ROU-7) or the former world number one Viktoria Asarenka (BLR) could be waiting for her next. Gauff got her main draw ticket after a wildcard for qualification and became the youngest player in the Wimbledon main competition in the “open era”. Venus Williams was a dream ticket for Gauff Before the draw, Gauff had wanted a first-round duel with one of the Williams sisters. “I was then super-shocked. I got my dream ticket and then I won.” But she wasn’t nervous about playing against one of her idols. “I wasn't thinking about Venus, I was just playing my game. No matter who I play against, I want to win. I thought about that the whole time.”

The WTA was apparently also taken by surprise by Gauff's coup, because the player profile of the newcomer from Delray Beach in Florida did not have a photo. In Miami this year she was already in round two and won a good third of her previous career prize money of $75.011 (around 66.100 euros). For her victory over Williams she will receive 45.000 pounds (around 50.100 euros). With a third-round finish, Gauff would more than double her career prize money.

The new young US star not only has Venus Williams on her hit list, but also has some parallels with her. She is similar to the older of the two Williams sisters in terms of play and stature, and her father also plays a big role in her. Corey coaches his daughter and keeps her down despite the promotion, as ex-top ten player Chanda Rubin says.

“She has good support, especially from her father, who is responsible for coaching overseas,” explained Rubin after speaking to the family. “He’s very methodical about what she needs. There are a lot of positive things in her private and family life.” Martina Navratilova was also impressed: “Cori Gauff introduced herself to the tennis world with style.”

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15-year-old Williams conqueror: “I want to win Wimbledon”

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