"That moment – beating Venus at Wimbledon – made me believe that my dreams were closer to reality than it felt" - Coco Gauff

Teenage WTA star Coco Gauff feels beating five-time winner Venus Williams at Wimbledon made her believe that she belonged to the big stage.

The 18-year-old made a sensational Grand Slam debut at the grasscourt Major three years ago, dumping out the elder Williams sister in straight sets. Gauff won two more matches before losing to eventual winner Simona Halep in the fourth round.

In her next SW19 appearance two years later, the American teenager made the fourth round again, losing to Angelique Kerber. Fast forward 12 months, Gauff arrives at Wimbledon as a Grand Slam finalist, having lost to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros earlier this month.

Ahead of her third Wimbledon appearance, Gauff knows she has become a more mature player since her breakthrough, enjoying the moment rather than putting too much pressure on herself.

“I think I’ve learnt a lot over the last three years,” Gauff told Telegraph Sport. “That moment – beating Venus at Wimbledon – made me believe that my dreams were closer to reality than it felt. It was definitely a lot to deal with. The biggest thing I’ve learnt is you don’t have to care about what other people expect from you. Just enjoy the moment. I wasn’t enjoying the moment then.”

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Coco Gauff to make her Grand Slam breakthrough at Wimbledon 2022?

Coco Gauff is ready to make a splash at Wimbledon this year.

It's still early days in her career, but after reaching the Roland Garros final this year, Coco Gauff has been touted as one of the contenders for the 2022 Wimbledon title.

At 18, Gauff is a Grand Slam finalist and has reached the second week in both her previous appearances at SW19. There is the spectre of the all-conquering top seed Iga Swiatek, the two-time Roland Garros winner looking to continue her 35-match win streak at Wimbledon.

However, the 21-year-old is a novice on grass, winning only four of her eight matches. She lost to Ons Jabeur in the fourth round at Wimbledon last year.

Meanwhile, Gauff has already shown her pedigree on the big stage. The 11th seed at this years' Championships will be keen to improve on her two fourth-round showings as she seeks her maiden Grand Slam title.

“Other tournaments play into pop culture and urban areas, but there you feel like you’re the Queen,” said Gauff about playing at Wimbledon.

If she can control her nerves, Gauff will fancy her chances of a deep run at SW 19 this year and might as well go all the way. She's coming off a semi-final showing at Berlin.