Cori “Coco” Gauff continued her remarkable Wimbledon debut on Wednesday, becoming the youngest player since 1991 to advance to the third round. At just 15 years old, Gauff, who had to battle through the qualifying stages, secured her spot with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over 2017 semi-finalist Magdalena Rybarikova under the Court One roof.
The world number 313 had already caused a sensation by defeating five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round. Gauff’s performance in her second-round match demonstrated that her earlier victory was no fluke. “I played well, especially on the pressure points,” said the young American. “I’m still shocked that I’m even here.”
Gauff is the youngest player to reach the last 32 at Wimbledon since Jennifer Capriati, also 15, made it to the semi-finals in 1991. She will now prepare for her next match with the confidence that she can go even further. “I think I can beat anyone. If I don’t think I can win, I won’t step on the court,” she said.
Meanwhile, defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic eased into the last 32 for the 11th consecutive year, defeating Denis Kudla of the United States 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Djokovic, a four-time Wimbledon champion, hit 13 aces and 37 winners in a solid performance. “I’m pleased with my game overall,” Djokovic said, though he admitted there were moments he could have improved. He will next face Hubert Hurkacz for a place in the last 16.
Other notable results included South African fourth seed Kevin Anderson, who advanced with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-4 win over Janko Tipsarevic. However, three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka fell in five sets to 6’11” American Reilly Opelka. Wawrinka, a two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist, was beaten 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 8-6. Opelka, who fired 23 aces in the match, will now face 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic.
