Retired tennis star Maria Sharapova is of the opinion that 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff is equipped to handle the pressure that comes with being successful on the WTA circuit.

Gauff, fresh off her maiden Grand Slam title win at Flushing Meadows, has drawn some comparisons to Sharapova, as the Russian also won her first Grand Slam trophy when she was a teenager.

“Her journey has been interesting," said Sharapova on a recent podcast. "From the age of 16 she’s been the prospect & the target & everyone believed she would get there. I think from everyone’s expectations, perhaps it’s taken a 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 from the very beginning & then just being so surprised by everything that comes your way… I just think she has a great team with her. The genuine support from her parents is very evident & it’s a beautiful story… I’m sure she’ll handle the ups & downs brilliantly."