Australian Open: Coco Gauff’s teen spirt brings down Venus Williams again

Coco Gauff is blessed with a talent and temperament that is far beyond the capabilities of most mortals, let alone a 15-year-old.

Coco Gauff on her way to victory over countrywoman Venus Williams, 24 years her senior, in the opening round of the Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

As Venus Williams walked into Melbourne Park about 11.30am on Monday to prepare for her 20th Australian Open, she stifled a yawn.

In usual circumstances, a clash between a seven-time grand slam champion and a teenager might be enough to prompt boredom in a megastar.

But Coco Gauff was that teenager. And she is blessed with a talent and temperament that is far beyond the capabilities of most mortals, let alone a 15-year-old. Rather than being weary, it is certain Williams was wary the challenge to come might prove insurmountable.

After a slow start — perhaps she needed a coffee — the veteran fought particularly hard. But it was the prodigy who prevailed, defeating the women who is 24 years her senior 7-6 (5) 6-3 in 1hr 37min on Margaret Court Arena in an entertaining match.

Gauff has rapidly emerged as one of the biggest stars in tennis courtesy of her stunning debut performances at Wimbledon and the US Open over the past seven months.

According to Williams, “the sky is the limit” for the teenage sensation.

“She clearly wants it. She works very hard (and) is extremely mature for her age,” Williams said.

“She just played very focused and put a lot of balls in the court. That’s what you have to do. She’ll play well the rest of the event.”

Gauff’s opening-round triumph over Williams at the All England Club last July demonstrated she was far more than just another junior talent.

It captured the imagination of the public in England and the US, where tennis fans were transfixed by what appeared to be the passing of the baton between the Americans.

At least in ranking, this was the case following their Australian Open clash.

Gauff overtook the ageing champion when she moved into the top 60 for the first time as the five-time Wimbledon champion slipped out.

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Gauff is already a promoter’s dream. She took her place alongside the superstars at the Rally for Relief on Rod Laver Arena last Wednesday night.

And a hefty slice of the crowd watching her on Monday were chanting her name against a champion who has always been well received in Melbourne.

“I just want to say thank you guys so much,” Gauff told the crowd.

“You guys were chanting my name, and I only thought that would happen at the US Open, so for you guys to do that at the Australian Open means a lot to me.”

For all of Williams’s deeds, it would have been a surprise had she walked off Margaret Court Arena as the victor despite difference in age and experience.

It is now 12 years since the 39-year-old claimed her last major title, at Wimbledon, and she arrived in Melbourne with limited preparation after being troubled by a hip problem.

And while she reached finals in Melbourne and at Wimbledon in a stunning resurgence in 2017, her loss to Gauff was her fifth first-round defeat in her last nine majors.

Some will question why a woman with a resume as decorated as hers carries on. There is her love of the game. But more immediate is a desire to compete in another Olympics.

Williams claimed the singles and doubles at the Sydney Games. She was also a gold medallist in Beijing and London and claimed a silver in mixed doubles in Rio de Janeiro.

Earning a spot might be difficult given the stunning depth in American ranks on the women’s side.

But she does have a handy ally in her sister Serena, who was superb earlier on Monday in defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-3.

“In the perfect world, we’ll be there,” Williams said.

Gauff will now play Romanian Sorana Cirstea, who defeated 2019 Wimbledon semi-finalist Barbora Strycova 6-2 7-6 (5).