Coco Gauff continues to carve her name into the tennis history books, this time equaling a remarkable 17-year-old record held by the legendary Maria Sharapova. On Tuesday, the 20-year-old American sensation stormed into the semifinals of the French Open after a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over Ons Jabeur on Court Philippe-Chatrier, becoming the youngest player since Sharapova to reach three Grand Slam semifinals before turning 21.
Sharapova, who achieved the feat between 2004 and 2006, went on to become one of the most successful players of her generation. Now, Gauff is following a similar path, showing mental toughness and athletic brilliance well beyond her years.
Despite a shaky serving performance that included five double faults, Gauff’s relentless baseline power, court coverage, and unshakable composure under pressure proved too much for the crafty Tunisian star. Jabeur, known for her variety and touch, couldn’t find a consistent answer to Gauff’s explosive game.
“I just stayed focused and kept fighting,” Gauff said after the match. “I knew Ons would try to mix it up, and she did, but I stuck to my plan and it paid off.”
It certainly did. Gauff’s forehand was firing, and her movement was flawless, often turning defense into attack in a matter of seconds. The Florida native broke Jabeur’s serve four times and won 71% of her first-serve points, compensating for those few double faults with aggressive, high-percentage play.
This victory not only cements her place among the elite of the sport but also serves as a major milestone in a career that has been rapidly ascending since she burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2019. Since then, Gauff has matured both mentally and physically, showing the consistency required to challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes.
Now, with a potential final showdown against defending champion Iga Swiatek or 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova looming, Gauff appears poised to take the next giant leap.
The comparison with Sharapova is not just statistical. Both players carry immense star power and have shouldered the expectations of greatness at a young age. Sharapova lifted the Wimbledon trophy at 17, while Gauff, still searching for her first major singles title, is inching closer with each big-stage victory.
“She’s got that champion’s mindset,” said tennis analyst Martina Navratilova. “Even when things aren’t perfect, she finds a way to win. That’s what separates great players from the good ones.”
With the Parisian crowd fully behind her and the world watching, Coco Gauff is no longer the prodigy — she is the real deal. And if her current form holds, the record books may soon need even more space for her name.
As the clay settles on another breathtaking performance, one thing is clear: double faults may come and go, but Coco Gauff’s rise is no accident — it’s the making of a new tennis legend.
