From "amazing" to the "real deal": Cori Gauff touted by tennis peers
More than just the talk of the town, the 15-year-old prodigy has been praised by a number of stars in the press room.
It comes as no surprise to see Cori Gauff leading headlines during the first week of Wimbledon, after the 15-year-old posted convincing wins over five-time champion Venus Williams and 2017 semifinalist Magdalena Rybarikova following her successful qualification into the main draw.
The Delray Beach, FL resident, who is yet to drop a set in her five matches thus far, has been one of the hottest topics in the press room. Journalists have requested a number of players to weigh in on the American sensation and what she’s been able to accomplish thus far. Here are five standout quotes from Gauff’s fellow peers.
"I just love Coco and her family. They're just really sweet. Her dad is just a good guy. She's pretty awesome and pretty cool. Honestly, I feel honored that I was on her wall at some point in her life. Soon she'll be on other girls' walls. It's nice, because it will keep it going from the next generation to next generation."
“I watched the entire match (versus Venus). I was having treatment. I think it was an amazing situation, to play somebody 23 or 24 years older. That stuff doesn't happen every day. I thought it was super special for Coco. I thought she handled it great. She wanted to be on the big court. She wanted to play against her idol. Good players, that's where they shine, I'd say.”
“I've known Cori since she was seven, so a long time. I think she is a really amazing player. Just for her to qualify, I think that was a very huge step just for her in general. Obviously to beat someone you looked up to your whole life is even more amazing. I think she has two great parents that are looking out for her, protecting her, making sure she has everything she needs.”
“She's going to have the potential to do some amazing things in this sport. She's got a lot of good people around her, as well. To see her beat her idol was pretty cool. I was actually watching it back in my Airbnb. I hit with her when she was 12 at Miami [and] hit with her this year again. She's the real deal. She's amazing.”
“I saw her play a few years ago. What you see is just an incredible athlete. I think she's got a really good head on her shoulders. She seems very mature. From the outside looking in, she seems like she's really enjoying her tennis. Looks like a big-game player. Loves the spotlight. Loves the moment. But also she's earned her way through qualifying, [playing] some exceptional tennis. I think she's going to have a very, very bright future.”
