Sharapova calls Gauff 'the full package', believes she can transcend tennis: "I have been saying this for years"
WTAFriday, 29 September 2023 at 00:00
Former world number one Russia’s Maria Sharapova believes young
American sensation Coco Gauff is the ‘full package’.
The 19-year-old is rated one of the most exciting young talents
in the circuit and she has lived up to the hype in the recently concluded US
Open.
Sharapova, who herself won five Grand Slam titles in her
illustrious career including the US Open in 2006 after beating Belgium’s Justine
Henin-Hardenne, was recently quoted in a report where she heaped praise on Gauff
and believes that she has all the potential to achieve greater things in the
coming years.
“I have been saying this for years and I think she has the
ability to transcend the sport, bridging entertainment & sport &
culture & fashion,” she said. “She’s got such a great voice & most
importantly, she is an amazing competitor which is just like the full package.
It came together for her in New York City. So I wanted to be there.”
Gauff ended up beating the current world number one Belarus’
Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the fourth and final Grand Slam with a score of
2–6, 6–3, 6–2.
That performance was the continuation of Gauff’s winning run
which started after her disappointing outing at Wimbledon where she was knocked
out of the competition after suffering a surprise defeat in the first round to fellow
American Sofia Kenin with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
She first won the final of the Citi Open after beating
Greece’s Maria Sakkari in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Later on, she went on to lift the Cincinnati Open (Western
& Southern Open) title after beating Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in
the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Other than her US Open triumph, Gauff also played in the
quarterfinal of the French Open earlier this year where she lost to the current
world number two Iga Swiatek with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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mandoist12-09-2026 - You keep writing ridiculous crap... why are you even watching tennis?mandoist12-09-2026
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AceOfBase12-09-2026 - I hope he wins. Would be great to have a USA winner again with the men.AceOfBase12-09-2026
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