For Atlanta Native Coco Gauff, Her Wimbledon Journey Continues After Comeback Win

Atlanta-born Cori “Coco” Gauff celebrates after beating Slovenia’s Polona Hercog on Friday at Wimbledon. How far can she go, both this fortnight and in the future? The tennis world is watching, waiting to find out.

Ben Curtis / Associated Press

It was easy to forget that Atlanta-born Cori “Coco” Gauff is still just 15 as she stood on the grass of Centre Court, pounding her chest and shouting, “Let’s go! Come on!” to celebrate a 32-stroke point that forced a third set in her match Friday evening at Wimbledon.

Up in the stands, Mom rose to pump a fist and yell, “Yes!” Thousands of spectators jumped out of their seats, too, roaring. By then, Gauff already twice had been a point from losing in the third round to Polona Hercog of Slovenia.

Most players, no matter the age, would not be able to find their way out of that sort of a deficit on this imposing a stage.