The 15-year-old American has that opportunity after rallying to defeat 18-year-old Russian Anastasia Potapova, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open.
“I think I gave (my parents) a heart attack,” Gauff said on court to ESPN after the win. “Especially my mom. My dad, he looks a little bit tired over there, too.”
It had been five years since a player won a main draw match at the US Open prior to their 16th birthday; the last player to do it was CiCi Bellis.
Gauff, the youngest player in the draw, trailed by a set and a break. But she fought back — and ignited the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium while doing it. Gauff had 4-1 lead in the third set, but following a medical timeout Potapova broke back.
But Gauff stopped Potapova’s win streak, breaking to win the match when Potapova’s forehand went long.
“Honestly, I wanted to win, and I was just trying to calm myself down, and really it was the crowd that really helped me, because I was almost out,” Gauff said to ESPN.
The two players’ combined age is 33 years old, making it the youngest first-round match up at this year’s tournament. Potapova is ranked 72nd. Gauff is 140th, a career high.
