At only 15 years old, Cori Gauff is taking the tennis world by storm.<\/p>\n
Gauff was the youngest United States Open junior girls finalist in history at age 13 and the second youngest French Open junior girls champion at age 14. Her rise to success and incredible talent has been whispered about for years.<\/p>\n
Now, she’s been brought to the spotlight after a huge upset. Gauff took out star player Venus Williams, 6-4, 6-4, in the first round of Wimbledon. It was her first Grand Slam singles match of her career.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the court, I was not thinking about Venus,\u201d Gauff said. \u201cI was just playing my game. No matter who I play against, I want to win. So that\u2019s what I was just thinking about the whole time. I wasn\u2019t really thinking about who I was facing on the other side of the net.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, it’s all Gauff can think about. After Gauff secured the win, she took the opportunity to thank Venus.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just telling her thank you for everything she\u2019s done for the sport,\u201d Gauff said. \u201cShe\u2019s been an inspiration for many people. I was just really telling her thank you. I met her before, but I didn\u2019t really have the guts to say anything.”<\/p>\n
While many are celebrating Gauff’s big win, what most people don’t know is Gauff’s love of the Christian faith. Gauff takes a moment to pray with her father, who is also her coach, before every match.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore every match since I was 8, my dad and I say a prayer together,\u201d Gauff said. \u201cWe don\u2019t really pray about victory, just that me and my opponent stay safe. After the match, I was just thanking God for this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gauff also said a prayer as she was tearing up after her win against Venus.<\/p>\n