Cori 'Coco' Gauff, the American tennis player, defeated her fellow countrywoman Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon 2019. The match took place on July 1 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Wimbledon 2019, which started on July 1 and end on July 14 witnessed a major talking point on the very opening day - Cori Gauff touted to be a 'champion in the making'.  Cori Gauff reminds American tennis legend Serena Williams of her sister Venus. Interestingly, Venus William had won four Grand Slam titles including two at Wimbledon, before Gauff was born. We will look at some more interesting facts about teenage tennis sensation, 15-year-old Cori Gauff, who is not only the youngest qualifier ever to the main draw but also the one to beat her idol in the first round. Venus Williams Knocked Out of Wimbledon 2019 Following Shock Defeat to 15-Year-Old Cori 'Coco' Gauff in First Round.

Born on March 13, 2004, Gauff started playing tennis at the age of seven. She grew up in Atlanta, but moved to Delray Beach, Florida, to get better sporting opportunities. Cori's parents were also athletes back in the day. His father Corey played basketball at Georgia State University and her mother Candi was a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Wimbledon 2019: Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff, Venus Williams Slayer’s Dream Was to Win, and ‘That’s What Happened’.

Five Interesting Facts About Cori Gauff

1. Cori Gauff Was Handed Wild Card Entry at Wimbledon 2019

Cori Gauff, also known as Coco ranked 301 in World ranking, which was not high enough to qualify for Wimbledon, 2019. However, Coco received the wild card by Wimbledon five days before her first match.

2. Gauff Supported by None Other Than Roger Federer

Coco is represented by the Team 8 management company, which was set up by Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer and his agent Tony Godsick.

 

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3. Coco's Records and Accolades

The match with Venus Williams was Gauff’s grand slam debut in the main draw of the women’s singles. However, she is already familiar to the slam stage. She was also the part of girls’ singles at the US Open in 2017 aged just 13, making her the youngest ever finalist.

Cori Gauff is the youngest-ever finalist in the girls' singles event at the US Open. She also emerged victorious in Junior Roland Garros (French Open) in 2018, becoming the second youngest player to do so. Cori Gauff is the youngest-ever finalist in the girls' singles event at the US Open. She also emerged victorious in Junior Roland Garros (French Open) in 2018, becoming the second youngest player to do so.

4. Cori Gauff Has Already Bagged Big Sponsorers

Coco has bagged sponsorships from Barilla, New Balance and tennis equipment maker, Head. New Balance pulled off a deal with Gauff after a lengthy and costly battle with Nike. These sponsorers have made 15 years old Cori Gauff a millionaire at such a young age.

5. The Love For Sports Is In Her Genes

Gauff has sports in her genes. She is trained by her father Corey, who played basketball at Georgia State University. Gauff’s mother Candi was a gymnast before competing in athletics at Florida State University.

 

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Happy birthday Dad💓

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Coco with this victory over Venus William, became the youngest to win a Wimbledon match since 1991. After her victory against Venus William, she broke down in tears at the court. It was indeed a memorable moment for her. Gauff defeated Venus Williams in straight 6-4, 6-4 sets.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2019 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).