American Cori Gauff advanced to second round of Wimbledon 2019 by beating one of her idols, Venus Williams, in straight sets on Monday.
In a match that was billed the 'Clash of Generations', Gauff - who is featuring in her first main draw at a Grand Slam - overcame 39-year-old Williams 6-4, 6-4.
At 15 years and 122 days, Gauff became the youngest-ever Wimbledon qualifier by defeating Greet Minnen last week. She also became the youngest player to feature in the women's singles since Laura Robson did so 10 years ago at the age of 15.
Just to put things in perspective, when she was born on March 13, 2005, her opponent Venus Williams had won four Grand Slam titles, including two at Wimbledon.
Gauff has cited Venus and sister Serena as inspirations behind her career, and the Florida-based youngster has enjoyed success in junior grand slams.
A break in the fifth game of the opening set, which included a delectable lob over the statuesque Williams, was enough to win her the first set.
The nerveless display continued in the second set and she sealed victory on her fourth match point when Williams netted a forehand.
"I don't even know how to explain how I feel," Gauff, who wiped away a tear as she walked off Court One, said moments after her remarkable win.
"I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I have never played on a court so big, but I had to remind myself that the lines on the court are the same size, everything around it might be bigger, but the lines are the same and after every point I was just telling myself to stay calm.
"I never thought this would happen, I am literally living my dream right now, and not many get to say that. So I am just happy that Wimbledon gave me the opportunity just to play and I obviously never thought it would be this far," added the teenager, who was given a wildcard into the qualifying tournament.
"After the match I told her (Venus) just thank you for everything she did. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. I was just telling her that she is so inspiring and that I always wanted to tell her that. Even though I met her before, I guess I had the guts to (tell her today)."
Who is this girl?
Gauff made the US Open girls' final in 2017, becoming the youngest ever player to do so at the age of 13. She lost to Amanda Anisimova, who reached the semifinals of the women's singles at this year's French Open. Gauff won the French Open girls' title last year by beating Caty McNally, alongside whom she lifted the US Open girls' doubles title. The pair did battle again in Miami this year, with Gauff claiming her first match win at the elite premier mandatory tournament level.
READ | Meet Cori Gauff, Wimbledon's youngest qualifier ever
Gauff received a wild card into Wimbledon qualifying, and was shopping online for a dress for a gala when she was informed of the decision.
She comes from an athletic background. Her father Corey was a collegiate basketball player for Georgia State and her mother Candi was a track star at Florida State. A five-time high school champion in the heptathlon, Candi also excelled at gymnastics.
(with inputs from Reuters)
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