Coco Gauff is forging a new path for herself after reaching her maiden Grand Slam final last month. Three years after her victory over Venus Williams at Wimbledon, she returns to the same place hoping to achieve bigger things in the sport.

At 18, she has broken into the Top 15 of the world rankings, while also displaying a dominant brand of tennis. Gauff will seek inspiration from her fellow compatriots- Serena and Venus Williams, winners of a combined 12 Wimbledon singles titles.

Gauff follows the Williams sisters at Wimbledon

Earlier this month, Gauff featured in a graphic watching the Williams sisters win the Wimbledon women’s doubles titles in 2012. The young American was portrayed watching the duo on a screen back in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.

Speaking ahead of her first-round match, Gauff said,?”I did not expect the [centenary] graphic to come out beforehand. “I saw it for the first time and I was almost about to cry because it just really takes you back.”

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“I feel like growing up – and not just as a tennis player, I’m a young adult now – we kind of forget our childhood dreams a little bit. And that reminded me of that and reminded me of being grateful of being here.” Gauff added.

The 18-year-old begins her campaign against Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Tuesday.

Coco Gauff’s magical run in Paris

The young American reached the finals in Paris for the first time in her career. However, she was outdone by World No.1

Iga Swiatek who prevailed 6-1, 6-3. In the doubles, the American suffered the same fate with Top 10 player Jessica Pegula in the women?s doubles final.

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Despite the double disappointment, Gauff has been impressive on the grass in the warmup tournament in Berlin. She was beaten by World No. 3 Ons Jabeur, but put up a consistent run on the route to the semi-final. Gauff will look to continue her impressive form this year as she returns to Wimbledon this week.