Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova believes US Open champion Coco Gauff can transcend the world of tennis and beyond.
Earlier this month, the 19-year-old American claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows by beating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final. In doing so, she has become the youngest player from her country to win a major title since Serena Williams in 1999. Gauff has also enjoyed success elsewhere over the summer by winning titles in Washington and Cincinnati.
The breakthrough has been hailed by Sharapova who was 17 when she won the 2004 Wimbledon Championships. Speaking to Andrea Petkovic on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, she predicts a big future for the rising star of women’s tennis.
“I have been saying for years that I think she has the ability to transcend the sport into so many [areas], bridging entertainment, sport and culture, and fashion,” said Sharapova.
“She has such a great voice and is an amazing competitor, which is just like the full package. And it came together for her in New York City.”
Despite her young age, Gauff has already been on the Tour for a few years. At the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, she produced a stunning run to the fourth round after coming through the qualifying tournament at the age of 15. Soon after that, many were tipping her to become a formidable force in the sport with there being a lot of expectations placed on her.
Whilst it has been four years between Gauff’s Wimbledon breakthrough and her winning the US Open, Sharapova believes that there are plenty of positives that can be drawn from her experience.
“I think her journey has been interesting. From the age of 16 she has been the prospect and the target and everyone believed that she would get there,” she commented.
“It’s perhaps taken a little bit longer but I think for her that may be helpful because it took a few years to figure it out, as opposed to coming out on top at the very beginning and then being so surprised by everything that comes her way.”
Gauff is coached by Pere Riba and also has Brad Gilbert as a consultant. Gilbert has previously worked with the likes of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. Both men have been credited for aiding her recent success on the Tour.
“She has a great team and the genuine support from her parents is very evident,” Sharapova commented.
“It’s a beautiful story. Does that mean she is going to go out and win every Grand Slam? This is sport, that never happens, you end up losing a few more than you win. But those wins are very special and I am sure she will handle the ups and downs brilliantly.”
Gauff is set to return to competitive tennis next week at the China Open.
