Earlier this month, American tennis sensation, Coco Gauff scripted history by winning the US Open and her maiden Grand Slam on home soil. In the summit clash, she defeated World Number 1, Aryna Sabalenka to win the biggest title of her career. In the stands, Russian tennis legend, Maria Sharapova, witnessed Gauff lift the title. Not only this but she watched Gauff break the former’s 17-year-old record of being the youngest player to be ranked inside the top 3 on the WTA rankings.

Wildly famous for being Serena Williams‘s adversary, Sharapova reflected on the nail-biting final where Gauff mounted a stellar comeback from a set down. So what did the Russian have to say about the teen sensation who has been filling her rival’s shoes?

Maria Sharapova reminisces about the US Open final match

Recently, the former World Number 1 made an appearance on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast where she talked about her tennis career and personal life. As Masha witnessed the epic final clash between Gauff and Sabalenka alongside Billie Jean King, she spilled her thoughts on the fiery young teen.

Sharapova said, “I felt like it was a match that would, you know, seeing Coco on that stage and all the expectations from the beginning of the tournament, I didn’t think it was the highest quality of match because there was so much nerves, I think on both sides.”

Further, she went on to add, “I was so happy to see Coco when I’ve been saying it for years, I think she has the ability to transcend the sport into so many bridging entertainment and sport and culture, and fashion.”

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Gauff’s US Open victory was a well-deserved one, as she gave it all on the tennis court throughout the two weeks at Flushing Meadows. Records have come tumbling her way. But interestingly enough, she also is sharing the page with the legend who came to witness her prowess in New York!

Coco Gauff achieves yet another feat with her US Open victory

The 19-year-old is enjoying the best tennis season of her career. With the US Open win, Gauff has had her name etched in the record books alongside Serena Williams’ long-time rival, Sharapova herself.

The Russian star said, “I just think she has you know, she has a great team and her you know that the support from the genuine support from her parents is very evident. And it’s a beautiful story.” And with their support, Gauff booked her place in the year-capping WTA Finals – making it to back-to-back WTA Finals. A sense of déjà vu, perhaps? Maria Sharapova had, in fact, earlier achieved this feat as a teenager in 2005-06.

Meanwhile, the American star will look to continue her winning momentum as she takes part in upcoming tournaments. Can Gauff ride on the coattails of her US Open success? Do you think will she deliver on expectations in the 2024 season as well? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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