“It was the first time playing someone younger than me in probably at least seven years,” Gauff said. “It was definitely a different feeling for me.”
“I know Robin very well,” Gauff added.
“We went on a couple USTA trips back when we were like 8 years old. Pretty much friends ever since. She played really well. I expected a good level from her. … I was pretty impressed with how well she was striking the ball. It was difficult for me.
“I told her at the end of the match, maybe next time we play, it’s not in a first-round match, maybe we’ll play in a final.”
After her match, Montgomery said: “It was an amazing experience.”
“I’m really happy they gave me the opportunity to come through qualifying, and it was really great playing at this level.”
The match was interrupted by rain. “You just go with it. You cant control the weather, said Gauff.
It definitely messes up your routine a little bit, but at the same time, I approached the match today as if the score was 0-0. I think thats the best way to approach it because its a new day and a new opportunity.
She also said that the match between two teen African-Americans is significant following Serena Williams retirement.
“If Serena and Venus saw this today, two 18-year-olds, both African-Americans, playing at the WTA 500 level, I think they would be proud, Gauff said.
Both of us are products of their legacy. Im grateful that I had those examples to follow. I hope that maybe I can be an example myself.