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For once, all eyes weren't on Roger Federer or Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Instead, everyone was focused on Cori "Coco" Gauff, the 15-year-old who defied all expectations by reaching the second week at the grass Slam.

The young American defeated her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round and continued to put together wins, becoming the youngest player to reach the round of 16 since Jennifer Capriati made the semifinals in 1991 as a 15-year-old.

Taking on Polona Hercog in the third round, Gauff was down a set and two match points, but made an epic comeback to fight her way to a victory, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 7-5.

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On Monday, Gauff lost her biggest challenge to date against former world No. 1 Simona Halep, 6-3, 6-3. But she leaves the All England Club with her head held high, and her social media following dramatically increased.

"I learned a lot," she said. "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."