MusaCoco Gauff is rewriting tennis history—and this time, she’s channeling her inner Maria Sharapova. With her latest jaw-dropping victory at the French Open, the 20-year-old American sensation has matched a record held by none other than the queen of early-2000s power tennis. Gauff has now reached the quarterfinals (or better) in five consecutive Grand Slams before turning 21—an achievement last accomplished by Sharapova way back in 2007.
Let that sink in: Gauff is keeping pace with one of the most iconic prodigies the sport has ever seen.
But this isn’t just a numbers game. Gauff’s win wasn’t a routine stroll through the red dirt of Roland Garros—it was a statement. Facing a crafty and experienced opponent, she combined trademark athleticism, fierce shotmaking, and a growing sense of tactical maturity to close out the match in straight sets. The crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier ate up every fist pump and sprinted forehand, as if sensing they were watching a generational torch being passed.
Much like Sharapova, Gauff isn’t just winning—she’s building an aura. What once was raw talent is now becoming refined power. Her serve is more reliable, her nerves more steel-clad, and her ambition? As sky-high as ever.
Sharapova’s career took off after her Grand Slam consistency, and Gauff seems primed for the same trajectory. With the Parisian clay now looking like her new playground, fans and pundits alike are wondering: is Coco about to step into full-blown superstardom?
One thing’s for sure—this is no fluke. Coco Gauff isn’t just in the mix. She’s leading the charge. And if history’s any indicator, matching Sharapova is just the beginning. Paris may be watching a future champion in the making—and she’s not done yet.
Musa
John Owolabi
