• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

15-year-old tennis phenom Coco Gauff describes her 'roller coaster' Wimbledon run

4:28
Coco Gauff talks 'roller coaster' Wimbledon run
ABC News
ByKatie Kindelan
July 09, 2019, 11:41 AM

Tennis phenom Cori "Coco" Gauff, appeared cool and calm as she took Wimbledon by storm, but she said Tuesday she was just as surprised as everyone that she became the star of the All England Club.

"This has all happened as a surprise," Gauff said on "Good Morning America." "I came into the tournament as a wild card into qualifying, and then to end up playing the No. 1 seed in qualifying, and then once I got through qualifying, playing my idol first round, this tournament has really been a roller coaster."

Gauff, 15, was ranked No. 313 in the world going into Wimbledon.

Cori Gauff during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, July 8, 2019.
Javier Garcia/BPI/REX via Shutterstock

She became the youngest player to ever qualify for Wimbledon and defeated 39-year-old Venus Williams in straight sets in the first round. After beating Williams, she beat Magdaléna Rybáriková to reach the third round, where she faced Polona Hercog of Slovenia.

That match on Friday cemented her place in history, as she fought back from two match points, including a second set tiebreak, to come out on top. In doing so, Gauff became the youngest player to make it to the second week of Wimbledon since 1991.

Related Articles

(MORE: Coco Gauff, 15-year-old tennis phenom who beat Venus Williams, is out at Wimbledon)

Editor’s Picks

Youngest athlete to qualify for Wimbledon just beat Venus Williams

  • Jul 01, 2019

15-year-old phenom pulls off another huge upset at Wimbledon

  • Jul 05, 2019

Teen tennis phenom who beat Venus Williams is out at Wimbledon

  • Jul 09, 2019

"Being down those match points and then coming back, that was definitely a great feeling," said Gauff, who competed at Wimbledon while taking school tests.

Throughout her inspiring run, Gauff was supported by family, friends and strangers in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, who gathered at a local restaurant to watch her matches. She received support online from celebrities including from Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, Jaden Smith and former first lady Michelle Obama.

Even so, Gauff said it was the cheering fans present at Wimbledon that stand out as her greatest memory from tournament.

"I think the most I'm going to remember is the crowd here," she said. "Ever since the first match they've been supporting me, even when I was down those match points they were supporting me, and even after I lost my match they were clapping for me."

"The people here have just been so kind and so amazing," she added.

Related Articles

(MORE: Parents of 15-year-old Wimbledon star say Williams family 'paved the way' for her tennis success)

Gauff's parents, Corey and Candi Gauff, also went viral during Wimbledon for their reactions to their daughter's incredible play.

Gauff said she always felt her parents' support both on and off the court.

"Their support means a lot to me," she said. "After the match, the first thing that came out of their mouths was that they were proud of me, even though I didn't play my best, but they were still proud of me that I fought as hard as I could."

Cori Gauff during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, July 8, 2019.
Javier Garcia/BPI/REX via Shutterstock

"This whole tournament I’ve been through so much emotionally on the court and then my game improved because I improved mentally," Gauff added.

Even amid the pressure of Wimbledon, Gauff kept her eye on another group of American women doing incredible things, the U.S. Women's National Team who won their fourth World Cup on Sunday.

"I was definitely keeping up," she said. "I was so happy for the ladies. They fought and I’m happy they got their fourth championship."

Gauff is only allowed to play a limited number of pro tournaments due to her age. She said she hopes to play in the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., later this month. Fans can also catch her at the U.S. Open in August.

"For sure I'm going to be playing in New York," she said.

ABC News' Alexandra Svokos contributed to this report.

Related Topics

  • Tennis

Editor’s Picks

Youngest athlete to qualify for Wimbledon just beat Venus Williams

  • Jul 01, 2019

15-year-old phenom pulls off another huge upset at Wimbledon

  • Jul 05, 2019

Teen tennis phenom who beat Venus Williams is out at Wimbledon

  • Jul 09, 2019

Up Next in Culture—

'The View' co-hosts and more step out for world premiere of Barbara Walters doc

June 12, 2025

Johnny Gaudreau's widow pens heartbreaking Father's Day tribute to late NHL star

June 12, 2025

Brad Pitt shares simple life 'equation' he lives by in his 60s

June 12, 2025

Arnold Schwarzenegger's family supports him at 'FUBAR' premiere

June 12, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News