Coco Gauff was very happy to be back at Wimbledon, and winning her first-round match was an emotional experience for the American.
Last year's Wimbledon campaign was dreadful for Gauff, as she was beaten in the first round by Sofia Kenin. It was a very bad performance from the American, who later described the loss as one of the lowest points of her career.
Little did she know how things would turn around. Just a few weeks later, when she returned home, she won a couple of important tournaments, including her sensational US Open victory.
Her this year's campaign at SW19 started really well, as she won her first match comfortably in two sets against Caroline Dolehide. It was a thrashing win for Gauff and a huge emotional release for her because last year's loss taught her not to take things for granted.
"Last year I lost first round. It was a tough moment for me. I’m a little emotional. It’s been a long year, but it’s incredible how I was able to turn it around. Wimbledon is the place where I believed the dream was possible."
"Being back on this court... I’ve played on a lot of big courts, but every time I play here, it’s the most nervous I ever feel playing tennis. Even more than playing a grand slam final. Something about Center Court is so special at Wimbledon. It’s an honor to be back. I don’t take it for granted."
Gauff is under a certain amount of pressure at this year's Wimbledon event. She's ranked second on the WTA Tour, so technically, she is the second favorite to win the tournament behind Iga Swiatek.
The pressure only rose after Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from the event, but she showed at Flushing Meadows last year that she's capable of dealing with it.
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