‘She’s the reason why I started to play tennis,’ Coco Gauff devastated after Serena Williams’ unfortunate exit
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Serena Williams and Coco Gauff
American veteran Serena Williams was forced to retire mid match in her first round encounter against Aliaksandra Sasnovich due to an injury. Serena slipped on the grass and developed a leg injury which restricted her movement to the point where she had to limp.
Heartfelt messages poured towards Serena from all across the community following her exit. American teen sensation Coco Gauff too expressed her disappointment over the incident.
“With Serena, I mean, it was hard for me to watch that,” she said. “I’m a big fan of her, even though I’m a competitor now. But she’s the reason why I started to play tennis. It’s hard to watch any player get injured, but especially her.”
Coco Gauff wins her opening round match
17-year old Coco Gauff, who announced herself to world two years back by beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon, is back on winning terms at The Championships. She beat British youngster Francesca Jones in the first round in straight sets 7-5,6-4 on Tuesday.
Gauff is one of the strongest players in her part of the draw. She could’ve met Serena in the Round of 16 match but after her exit, she will be one of the contenders to make to the second week from the second quarter of the draw.
Coco had some kind words for Francesca Jones after her win. “Her story is incredible. I guess from people telling her that she couldn’t play tennis or let alone go pro or make it this far. The fact that she’s here, giving it her all, is something I really respect as an athlete.”
Gauff will now face Russian veteran Elena Vesnina in the second round on Thursday. Vesnina beat Italian Martina Trevisan in the first round comfortably in straight sets 7-5,6-1.
Also read: Wimbledon 2021: Sweet revenge for Daniil Medvedev, beats Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)