American 15-year-old Coco Gauff beat Venus William again proving doubters wrong that her victory last year over the seven-time grand slam champion was a fluke.
Gauff beat her “idol” Venus last year at the Wimbledon first round.
And just like last time she beat the 39-year-old in straight set winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.
Gauff’s celebrations were slightly delayed because she didn’t realise that the match point had been given away.
“That was really difficult. She played really well and I was really nervous for today’s match – I was a bit shocked when I saw the draw, but glad I was able to get through it,” said Gauff, who was making her Australian Open debut.
“I am feeling great. I really like this court and really like this crowd.”
The 15-year-old will play Romanian world number 74 Sorana Cirstea next.
Coco had the crowd on her side the entire match as they screamed her name from time to time during the match.
“I just want to say thank you guys so much, you were chanting my name and I only thought that would happen at the US Open, so it means a lot,” she said.
Gauff led the first set 5-3 but was forced to a tie break by the veteran which she eventually won. She raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set before serving out the match. Gauff had not realised she had won after Venus rushed to retrieve a shot at the net but could only get to it with a double bounce.
The younger American was protesting, she had not realised it was time to shake hands. She had won.
Gauff who started last year as number 686 entered this year’s competition as the 67th seed.
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