Reaction from Wimbledon after Cori Gauff continues her remarkable journey
Written by News on 06/07/2019
Tennis fans leapt to their feet, cheered and applauded after 15-year-old Cori Gauff, known as Coco, fought off two match points to beat Polona Hercog and move into the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Sport and TV stars sitting in the royal box on Centre Court hailed the 15-year-old tennis prodigy from Florida who has taken the tournament by storm.
Writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge labelled Gauff a “dreamboat”, while former England cricket captain Alastair Cook described her as “extraordinary”.
Joining them in the Royal Box were former Conservative leader Lord William Hague, British Olympic rowing champion Dame Katherine Grainger, retired Irish rugby player Brian O’Driscoll and Spice Girls singer Geri Horner.
Fans watching Gauff’s momentous win said the teenager was helping bring inspiration to younger generations.
Marion Glasheen, 55, from Woodford in Ireland said: “She’s the new Venus, the new Serena and she’s so inspiring.
“At 15 years old she’s a role model for all kids.
“Look at Henman Hill, when has it ever been like this since Andy Murray?”
Sarah Farlow, 45, from Thatcham, Berkshire, said: “She’s the same age as my daughter, it’s just amazing.
“I can’t imagine what her parents are going through but they must be so proud.”
Grace Warrington, 27, from Clapham, London, said: “If I were a kid watching her on TV I would probably want to play tennis.”
After her victory, the American youngster said she is relishing her time in the spotlight.
“I’m happy that they enjoyed watching me play,” Gauff said. “Even when I was down match point, the people in the crowd were behind me every step of the way.
“That’s something I really appreciated during the match.
“I don’t know, it’s just crazy. I remember before I played Venus, when you walk to leave the practice courts, there are people waiting.
“One little kid asked me for a picture. Then after the next day, after I played Venus, everybody was screaming my name. It was pretty surreal how life changes in a matter of seconds.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Reaction from Wimbledon after Cori Gauff continues her remarkable journey
