DELRAY BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Delray Beach teen making sports history pulled off a hard-fought upset in her third match at Wimbledon, and her loved ones back home celebrated her win during a watch party.
Fifteen-year-old Cori “Coco” Gauff took center court at the All-England Club when she played against Polona Hercog of Slovenia, Friday afternoon.
7News cameras captured friends and family members at Paradise Sports Lounge, her father’s Delray Beach restaurant, as they erupted into cheers after the South Florida player won Round 3.
But Gauff found herself with her back against the wall several times during the tense nail-biter of a match. She actually lost her first set and trailed her opponent 5-2 on the second set before she turned it around and forced a tie break.
“The other one got two match points, but she fought it off,” said a boy at the watch party.
Gauff’s family said she dug deep, fought the nerves and began to play.
“Being an athlete, something comes up in you when you’re under pressure,” said a relative.
It’s a quality that her strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Drock, said she’s always had.
“She was so motivated and determined to improve. It was just incredible,” he said.
Gauff’s father has coached her since she began playing tennis at 7 years old.
Her grandparents, Eddie and Yvonne Odom, have also been a driving force in her life. They said her strong showing at Wimbledon is the result of hard work, perseverance and divine forces.
“She’s like her daddy. She never quits. The idea is to never quit,” said Eddie. “Every shot is a big shot, and she came all the way back … and she got it.”
“She fought, she fought, and this was destined. Her two grand daddies, who are ministers, they have been working this thing. You hear me? They’re working it,” said Yvonne as she pointed her index finger upwards. “We believe Him, because she is a blessed child.”
Gauff has become a headline act at the tennis match, not only after becoming the youngest player to qualify for the tournament but also when she beat her idol, five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.
Eddie said he can’t wait until his granddaughter returns home, so he can cook her a good meal.
Hercog ranked 60th and Gauff was ranked 313th in the world at the start of Wimbledon. Gauff is scheduled to play a doubles match on Saturday.
Her next singles match is set for Monday. She will take on Simona Halep, who is currently ranked seventh in the world.
Gauff’s loved ones said that even though she has her work cut out for her, they feel certain she has the confidence, poise and endurance to continue her winning streak.
“I am so happy with her guts. She didn’t give up,” said a relative.
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