At 15 years and 122 days, Gauff knocked out 21-year-old Greet Minnen of Belgium to qualify for Wimbledon, making her the youngest player to do so in the Open era.
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Ok maybe now is the time.
We like to get on board when there is company.
In reply to Headley
present.
DanDeKitten, KKKhaga and Devilyn already signed up for the hate club.
SteveO still on di fence.
In reply to Headley
Love her but my worry is that the parents are pushing her too early. Burn out and injuries usually follow these very young pros.
I wish they had followed the Williams model - they demonstrated longevity.
She's clearly talented but I maintain 15 is too early for this level of tennis.
I aint know yet...remember Capriati
In reply to Chrissy
I don't know if I agree, that is the age girls usually get started.
In reply to black
Some girls who experience success early can burn out. Like Tracy Austin and Martina Hingis.
However, there is a new rule that only allows players her age to play six or seven tournaments for the year. Hopefully, that will protect her.
I missed the Venus match. So, I am yet to see her play.
In reply to JahJah
Leave it alone bro.
In reply to Chrissy
Nowadays with the right training methods (including ice baths) and rest, athletes can get away with much more than in the past. Mental burnout could be a bigger issue. Why does she want it?
In reply to Chrissy
In reply to mikesiva
In reply to JahJah
If she does not win her next match the win against Venus will be devalued, it might mean that Venus just had a bad match
In reply to Headley
I am on board.
In reply to JahJah
In reply to black
Reasons to be cautious.
Before Gauff, who was the last 15 year old to play at Wimbledon?
Laura Robson.
Where is she now?
Gauff needs to be well managed. She's plays later today.
In reply to mikesiva
Laura who? Point taken.
In reply to Headley
I just watched Gauff for the first time...wow, she brought back memories of a young Venus, the way she covered the court, her shots, everything!
Love the way she dismantled Rybarikova....
Yes, I had to get up and watch this budding star. Its 3.22 am, my time, I can go back to bed, pretty satisfied with that wonderful display.
In reply to Casper
3:22 am? Where do you live? Hawaii?
FAA in da house!
In reply to mikesiva
In reply to imusic
In reply to mikesiva
Looks like Venus but with Serena's serve.
In reply to Chrissy
It seem,s to me that with this lithe, easy-moving, youthful replica emerging, Vanus can retire happy that her legacy is in good hands.
To say that I am impressed is not to say anything at all. I just see Venus... 25 years ago. And I am happy.
//
In reply to mikesiva
Yes she has all the shots, very much a young Venus. She bends her knees much more than Venus ever did when she plays the backhand shots. That gives her more control and lots more power as she plays the shot coming up. Could be Venus 2.1.
In reply to Ewart
I see Venus with Serena's serve.
Bro my two childhood friends and I agree - we can move on smiling- there is continuity
In reply to mikesiva
Coco been getting her groove on it appears. I hope the media do not destroy this super talented girl.
Meanwhile, into the round of 16 after disposing of
Polona Hercog of Slovenia.
Check out the action at the Sports Bar in Delray.
In reply to Headley
Let me tell you a story about a young man I know.
This kid was part of our community football club and U14 team - we had a homework programme for our kids right in our park.
This one kid came to me and said Auntie Chris I can't join the class because I can't read.
Given my access to colleagues, we had him tested for dyslexia, etc and really started a conversation with him. Turns out that at primary school the coach discovered he could kick with both feet. The school didn't give a $hit about his education after that and his folks were not even aware or capable of being aware.
I took over and started his entire education from scratch. In less than a year he was in the regular class for our players.
He's a big man now, living in foreign - he never comes home without visiting us. He still doesn't watch TV - he loves books - he has a good job and two of his kids are in college. I know them all - and wifey too.
It is not always the kid who is at fault. The entire environment matters.
In reply to Chrissy
Thanks for sharing. I must admit it upsets me when some folks with parents who made it into the middle class but with piss poor grandparents fail to realise how lucky they are. Except for a lucky break or the industriousness of their grandparents or parents they could easily have spent their youth focused on finding food to eat.
The year before I went to high school I was in the company of 2 classmates at lunchtime and we spent about 30 minutes talking and walking around the town. I asked them when would we stop to buy something to eat and they did not reply.
About 10 minutes before class resumed they pulled some dry biscuits and pieces of cheese from their pockets. I learned how privileged I was that day.
In reply to Headley
The sister after me just had a great holiday with her hubby in Bim.
She said they were sitting on the beach one morning when she asked him how come they were so lucky. She asked me the same question and I told her our grandparents believed in education and got some lucky breaks. Many want education but don't know where to even find a real meal (as your example demonstrates). It's why I don't suffer fools or licky licky peeps gladly.
In reply to Headley
she reminds me so much of Venus its uncanny.
She is easy to support!
She has already rocked the Tennis World...look out!!
In reply to Chrissy
I
In reply to powen001
Early days yet but she seems to have a better all round game than Venus. I always felt Venus' backhand and serve were inconsistent. When Venus got it right especially on a fast surface she was a terror. Looking forward to seeing how much Coco wants it.
In reply to Headley
Closer to Serena's serve but she looks a lot like V
In reply to powen001
They will soon turn on her - trust them at your peril