Cori Gauff, 15-year old American qualifies for Wimbledon

Cori Gauff became the youngest player in the professional era to survive the Wimbledon qualifying draw on Thursday as the 15-year-old American thrashed Belgium's Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 to seal her place in next week's main draw.

Gauff, who is combining her practice sessions with her schoolwork, looked like a seasoned grasscourt player as she claimed her a third successive straight-sets victory.

"I knew I was the underdog and I was just enjoying it," Gauff, who says it would be a dream to play idols Serena or Venus Williams at Wimbledon, told reporters fresh from walking off court at Roehampton.

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"Serena is the reason why I play tennis and why my dad decided to get me a racket,'' Gauff said.

"Obviously, I don't care who I play I'm just happy to be in the draw but I would love to share the court with Serena. If I played any one of them it would be a dream come true," she added.

Gauff, who won the French Open junior title in 2018, was given a wildcard into the Wimbledon qualifying event and took advantage in spectacular fashion.

She will be the first 15-year-old in the main draw since Britain's Laura Robson in 2009.

"I had no expectations really. I feel really blessed. My parents never put any limitations on my goals and told my to shoot as high as I can," Gauff said.