The Williams era could be ending soon and replaced by some new blood. 15-year old American qualifier Cori Gauff just caused a major upset by beating Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon.
Gauff won the French Open junior title last year, she now stands as the world number 313.
The win for the young player was historic in every sense of the word, Williams had won four Grand Slams, including two at Wimbledon, before Gauff was even born. Williams also turned professional a full 10 years before Gauff was born.
“It’s the first time I have ever cried after winning a match,” said Gauff, who previously said Venus and sister Serena were her “idols”.
“I don’t know how to explain how I feel.”
“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself ‘stay calm’.”
Gauff has to play Magdalena Rybarikova next, a top 30 player whom is 15 years Gauff’s senior.
While the win could be viewed as a testament to Gauff’s skill – which is certainly is – it’s also a testament to the legacy and influence of both Williams sisters.
Both sisters are some of the longest standing high-level players in the sport, both serving as idols to Gauff and being the very people to inspire her to play the sport. The success of Gauff is proof just how influential and inspiring the sisters’ performances are.
Asked about Gauff’s future, Williams said: “I think the sky’s the limit, it really is.
You can watch the highlights below, and the moment the young woman clinched the win.
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