“I don”t really know how to feel, this is the first time I’ve cried after a match, after winning,” Gauff told the BBC.
“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself the lines were the same [as any other court].”
She added: “I never thought this would happen. I’m living my dream right now, not many people get to say that.”
Gauff revealed Williams said to her afterward: “Congratulations, keep going and good luck. I just told her I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her she’s so inspiring.”
The Delray Beach, Florida, resident, who was born on March 13, 2004, secured her spot at the celebrated championships with a win in the final qualifying round at Roehampton, London Thursday.
Gauff is the 12th youngest overall to play in the Wimbledon main draw, but the youngest to come through qualifying.
Last year, Gauff raised her profile by winning the French Open girl’s championship. She also reached the quarter finals of junior Wimbledon.
This year, she became the youngest woman to win a Grand Slam qualifying match in the French Open.
In 2017, a then-13-year-old Gauff told CNN, “Overall, I want to be the best I can be and be the greatest,” after becoming the youngest player to appear in a US Open junior final. Her current 301st WTA singles ranking has climbed sharply from 874 eight months ago.
Source : Nbcnewyork
