For the second time her career, Venus Williams was defeated by fifteen-year old American Coco Gauff. Gauff took down Williams on Monday at the Australian Open, marking the second time she has dumped Williams out in a Grand Slam first round.
Gauff, ranked 67 in the world, is a fast-rising star in tennis.
“That was really difficult, she played really well.” Gauff said. “I was really nervous for today’s match.”
The former number one Williams now sits 55th in the world. She conceded the first-set tie break after hitting a routine backhand into the net.
Gauff won 7-6 and 6-3 in her victory and is set to play unseeded Romanian Sorana Cirstea next.
It will be an interesting match, with Gauff coming off a huge win and Cirstea carrying some experience into big situations.
Gauff’s key is to clean up on unforced errors and maintain control. If she keeps her serve game from the Williams match, she could be set to win in straight sets.
