Gauff, just 15, shocks 5-time champ Venus, 39, at Wimbledon

After Monday's match, Gauff said she thanked Venus "for everything she did."

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her," said Gauff, who joined the crowd in applauding for Venus as she walked off the court. "And I was just telling her that she's so inspiring. Like, I always wanted to tell her that. And even though I met her before, I guess now I have the guts to."

She showed plenty of grit in this match, particularly after getting broken to make it 4-all in the second set. Gauff steadied herself right there, though, breaking right back with a pair of forehand passing shots that drew errant volleys.

And then in the final game, Gauff needed to erase the disappointment of wasting her initial three match points. She did just that, converting her fourth when Venus put a forehand into the net.

Many 15-year-olds might spend an early summer day at the beach or at a mall. This one played a tennis match at Wimbledon against Venus Williams — and won.

"People just kind of limit themselves too much. Once you actually get your goal, then it's like: What do you do now?" Gauff said. "I like to shoot really high."

Agencies