Young tennis sensation Coco Gauff, 19, played on opponent Jodie Burrage’s court at the Rothesay International Eastbourne Wednesday but came out as the champion.
According to BBC Sports, it only took the 19-year-old rising tennis star 59 minutes to beat Burrage, 24, in a 6-1, 6-1 victory. Her win came a day after implying to reporters that she wouldn’t allow the fact that the two competitors were playing before a crowd of Burrage fans.
“I know you guys won’t be my friend in the next match, but that’s okay,” Gauff said at a press conference.
Coco Gauff on playing home crowd favorite Jodie Burrage next:
“I know you guys won’t be my friend in the next match but that’s okay.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/Ex0jzuiSE2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 27, 2023
Burrage lost 10 games in a row against Gauff before making the game 5-1 in the second set with a break of a serve. However, Gauff recovered and devoured her.
Her place in the Round of 16 is secured.
Speaking with BBC Two, Gauff wished the best for Jodie at Wimbledon.
“Jodie has had a couple of good weeks on grass, and hopefully, she can have a good time at Wimbledon,” Gauff said.
In addition to enjoying the victory, the Delray Beach, FL, tennis player relished her time in Eastbourne.
“Being in a town like Eastbourne where you can walk reminds me of home. It’s peaceful, and I need that before getting into a Grand Slam,” she told BBC Two.
Thursday morning, Gauff will go head-to-head with her compatriot and doubles partner Jessica Pegula. On June 30, Pegula and Gauff will amalgamate to compete together against American tennis player Desirae Marie Krawczyk and Dutch tennis player Demi Schuurs.
The 24-year-old will feature at Wimbledon after being given a wild card — the Wimbledon main draw starts on Monday, July 3.
Prior to playing against Burrage, Gauff defeated compatriot Bernarda Pera in a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
