July 1st, 2019
Florida’s Gauff Youngest-ever Wimbledon Qualifier Among Americans Making Main Draw
Fifteen-year-old Cori “CoCo” Gauff, who needed a wild card to get into the qualifying draw, became the youngest player to qualify at Wimbledon this past weekend, joining five other American qualifiers at The Championships starting today.
Gauff in the final round of qualifying rolled over No. 19 seed Greet Minnen of Belgium 6-1, 6-1. She had no prior grass court matches before learning a week ago that she had received a qualifying wild card.
The teen idolized the Williams sisters growing up, and drew Venus Williams in her opening-round match.
“I kind of felt like I was going to play one of them,” Gauff told the media at Wimbledon. “Many people have been like ‘Do you like your draw?’ — I love my draw. Playing one of the greatest players of all time is a dream — I’m excited to see how I do.”
Before becoming the youngest #Wimbledon qualifier in the Open era aged 15, some of @CocoGauff's teachers didn't even know she played tennis.
Later today, she faces her idol @Venuseswilliams in front of the eyes of the world… pic.twitter.com/ZEAdxKkuFb
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2019
Serena Williams also commented on Gauff and the Venus match-up on Monday.
“She’s an exciting young player, and she’s so cool,” Serena said. “She’s a great girl, I love her dad — they’re just really cool people. It’s a great moment for her and for Venus. It’s going to be a big moment for Venus as well — she’s playing against a player who reminds me of Venus. Just her body and everything.”
Other American women qualifying were 27-year-old Kristie Ahn, who beat fellow American Lauren Davis in the final round; and 17-year-old Caty McNally. Losing in the final round were Americans Danielle Lao and Christina McHale.
Two American men, former junior Wimbledon champion and former NCAA runner-up Noah Rubin, and former NCAA champion Marcos Giron qualified, while losing in the final round were Americans Bjorn Fratangelo, Tommy Paul and Donald Young.
For additional info go to www.Wimbledon.com.
