The second round of Wimbledon 2019 begins on Wednesday, and one of the stories of the tournament so far is back on court.
American qualifier Cori Gauff is just 15 years old but she shocked the tennis world by knocking five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams out in straight sets on Monday.
While Venus is now a veteran, her hungry compatriot plays without fear and eliminated a proven Grand Slam winner easily.
Given Williams is still ranked inside the WTA’s top 50 pros, Gauff should have no trouble dispatching the world number 139 – Magdalena Rybarikova.
Although the Slovakian reached the semis here two years ago, she hasn’t repeated that form since. It makes odds of 6/4 with William Hill that say Gauff beats Rybarikova crazy value.
Precocious teenage talents going all the way and winning Wimbledon is nothing new. Just ask Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis or Maria Sharapova.
Early exits from this year’s tournament for second seed Naomi Osaka and world number 11 Aryna Sabalenka mean Gauff’s quarter of the draw is really opening up!
Gauff beats Rybarikova appeals
Former champions Garbine Muguruza and Sharapova are also among the first round casualties at Wimbledon.
Rybarikova is twice Gauff’s age and looks a vulnerable favourite here. They are last on the order of play for Court 2.
Gauff looks the real deal and is the youngest Wimbledon qualifier in the Open Era. Her defeat of Venus was only Williams’ third ever first round exit at the All-England Club.
The desire and skill that saw Gauff reach the main draw and then upset a Wimbledon legend command respect.
Rybarikova is no walkover, but the American youngster shouldn’t be as big an outsider as her odds suggest.
Side with Gauff in her match with the Slovakian and back another upset. That’s what Grand Slam tennis is all about.
Bet of the Day: 6/4 with William Hill, Gauff beats Rybarikova in Wimbledon women’s singles round two.
