Coco Gauff Displays Sportsmanship with On-Court Message After Dashing British Wimbledon Hope

Coco Gauff showed her class immediately after defeating Britain’s newest Wimbledon star Sonay Kartal in the third round, commending the 22-year-old as soon as possible after securing her first professional victories at SW19 this year.

Kartal, the world No. 298 who captured British hearts this year with victories over Sorana Cirstea and Clara Burel, became the first home qualifier since 1977 to reach the third round.

And she put up a strong fight against the second seed on Court 1, but could not keep pace with her American opponent and ended up losing 6-4, 6-0.

Kartal received a huge standing ovation as she left the court, with Gauff joining in, before the world No. 2 was asked to speak and immediately praised her opponent, wishing her well for the future.

“I thought I played really well, she was playing really well at a high level, especially at the first set,” Gauff said in her on-court interview. “It’s been a great tournament for her and I know how special it is to play at home, so I am happy that she had such a good tournament and hopefully she’ll be back for many more in the future.

“I think this is my first time playing a British player here. I was a little nervous honestly. I knew you guys would be for her which is totally understandable… thankfully you guys were pretty nice to me

She was playing at a high level, she was playing at a high level, she wasn’t giving me much to work with and does a good job of mixing up her variety so you never feel settled. She’s obviously a very quick player so I was just trying to make less mistakes and I felt that I was going for the right shots, just missing, but eventually I found it and I was able to do well.

“Honestly playing in front of the British crowd is great, you guys are always so respectful and very engaged, I really appreciate that.”

Victory over Kartal has set up an all-American last 16 with Emma Navarro, who Gauff knows well and has already brushed Diana Shnaider, Naomi Osaka and Wang Qiang aside this week.