Who is Clevie Ngunue?Everything you need to know about the 17-year-old American prodigy who idolizes Serena Williams

Serena Williams and Venus Williams were two tennis superstars who inspired thousands of young stars around the world during their prime. Even now, with the elder sister entering the twilight years of her career and the younger sister retiring, they continue to inspire players. Recently, a junior Grand Slam champion managed to win her first Indian Wells Masters qualifier.

Seventeen-year-old American star Clervie Ngounoue won the 2023 Junior Wimbledon and Junior Doubles French Open titles. Now, she’s improving in the qualifying rounds for the WTA Masters.

Clervie Ngounoue ‘wanted’ to hang photos of Serena and Venus Williams on her wall

Ngunue is a young tennis player born in Washington, D.C., to Cameroonian parents. Ngunue has had a talent for the sport since he was a child. Her family saw her talent and encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a professional tennis player. Ngunnu recently won her first Indian Wells Masters qualifying title with a straight-sets win over Elize Cornet.

The youngster said she loved the Williams sister duo and wanted to put their poster on her wall. “Serena and Venus Williams are my source of inspiration and motivation. I always wanted to have their pictures on my wall, I wanted to follow in their footsteps.“

For a long period of his career, his primary coach was his father. According to her website, “I was trained by my father, Aimé Ngounoue, and American tennis coach Jermaine Jenkins, who coached players such as Naomi Osaka and, before that, Venus Williams One of the hitting partners of Venus Williams and championed by Tennis Hall of Famer and two-time Grand Slam winner Mary Pierce.“

Ngunue currently trains under the same coach as the 23-time Grand Slam champion. The French coach also spoke about his progress in the academy.

Mouratoglou gives insight into Ngunue’s progress

Ngunue currently trains at the Patrick Mouratoglou Academy under the tutelage of former coach Serena Williams. “In addition to her natural qualities and strength of play, I was impressed by her determination, personality and maturity. I believe she has what it takes to reach the highest level.Her results have confirmed my expectations,” confirmed Patrick Mouratoglou.

The American teenager has come a long way in the sport and won her first qualifying match at the Indian Wells Masters with a score of 6-2, 6-3. She will not face Taylor Townsend in the second qualifying match. Her performance so far has been stellar and the American star hopes to continue performing to the best of her abilities. Can she make it to the main draw?