Gauff: Wimbledon support felt like playing in New York
Cori Gauff likened the support she received at Wimbledon to a home crowd after her journey at the All England Club came to an end.
The 15-year-old American shocked five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in round one but went out to former world number one Simona Halep in the last 16 on Monday.
Halep came out on top 6-3 6-3 on No.1 Court, though Gauff still produced some quality shots despite struggling with a stomach problem.
Gauff's rise to prominence has undoubtedly been the story of this year's tournament so far and the future appears bright for the teenager, who was a firm fan favourite at Wimbledon.
"It was really surprising because you don't really expect this kind of support when you're in another country, not your home country," Gauff told a news conference.
"I really did feel like I was probably playing in New York somewhere. I'm just really happy and happy that people believe in me.
"They've been amazing, like even this match. Even though I wasn't feeling my best, I wasn't playing my best, but they were still supporting me no matter what.
"I learned a lot. I learned how to play in front of a big crowd. I learned what it was like to be under pressure. I learned a lot and I'm really thankful for this experience."
The No.1 Court crowd rises to acknowledge all the excitement @CocoGauff has given us
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2019
And remember - this is just the beginning... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UBiOYSxPeU
Gauff may have become an international tennis sensation, but she still has to finish her high school studies for the academic year.
"I literally have two weeks left. I probably could have been done if I didn't play this, but I'm so close," she added.
"My teachers definitely let me take a break a little so I could focus on my matches.
"I'm just going to go get back to work. I'm going to rest obviously for a couple days. I don't know where we're going to go.
"Definitely going to take like a mini weekend family vacation. I don't know where we'll go. I'm excited to just kind of chill for a little bit."