Cori Gauff became the youngest player in the professional era to survive the Wimbledon qualifying draw on Thursday as the 15-year-old American thrashed Belgium's Greet Minnen 6-1 6-1 to seal her place in next week's main draw.
Gauff, who is combining her practice sessions with her schoolwork, looked like a seasoned grass-court player as she claimed her third successive straight-sets victory.
"I knew I was the underdog and I was just enjoying it," Gauff, who said it would be a dream to play idols Serena or Venus Williams at Wimbledon, told reporters fresh from walking off court at Roehampton.
Cori Gauff plays a shot against Kaja Juvan of Slovenia during the French Open qualification match in Paris, France, May 23, 2019. /VCG Photo
"Serena is the reason why I play tennis and why my dad decided to get me a racket," she said.
"Obviously, I don't care who I play I'm just happy to be in the draw but I would love to share the court with Serena. If I played any one of them it would be a dream come true."
Gauff, who won the French Open junior title in 2018, was given a wildcard into the Wimbledon qualifying event and took advantage in spectacular fashion. She will be the first 15-year-old in the main draw since Britain's Laura Robson in 2009.
"I had no expectations really," she said. "I feel really blessed. My parents never put any limitations on my goals and told me to shoot as high as I can."
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3