Coco Gauff’s run at Wimbledon has ended. However, we were treated to a peek into what the future of tennis looks like.

At just 15 years of age, Coco played through qualifying and into the main draw at Wimbledon 2019 where she defeated her idol, Venus Williams in straight sets. She then delivered a memorable third round match against Polona Hercog on Centre Court, coming back from 3-6, 2-5 to take the match 3-6, 7-6, 7-5. In the process she saved two match points and delivered one of the most exciting matches of the first week. Unfortunately, the professionalism and quality of Simona Halep was too much for Coco as she went down 3-6, 3-6. Unfortunately for us, we won’t see Coco full time on the WTA tour until she hits 18 years of age. This is when she will reach the WTA age eligibility rule. 

Nevertheless, she showed us grit, power, athleticism, high tennis IQ, and perseverance. All qualities that seem to come to very natural to her. On top of the out of this world tennis talent of course. The composure she showed in the third-round match against Polona was pretty impressive. You’d think it was a seasoned veteran playing out there. But maybe that’s more youth than anything else. After all, she has nothing to lose! 

Now let’s talk about her game. She seems to serve big, and hits deep heavy top spin ground strokes, which allows her to open up the court and hit her world beating two handed backhand cross court. She also seems very comfortable coming in and finishing at the net. This is something I’ve been seeing from the younger women’s players. I’m seeing players like Yastremska also look very comfortable at the net. It will be fun to see Coco’s game mature in the next couple of years. She’ll be a world beater for sure. Look out WTA! The new generation is knocking. And knocking hard.