18-year-old Coco Gauff has stunned the tennis world, advancing to the French Open final after her defeat of Martina Trevisan in straight sets on Thursday. With the win, Gauff not only announced her presence to the WTA as a legitimate contender, but she also joined the likes of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in select history by reaching the final at Roland Garros, per ESPN.
Gauff, who turned 18 in March, is the youngest woman to reach a Grand Slam final since 17-year-old Maria Sharapova at 2004 Wimbledon and the youngest American woman to reach a major final since a 17-year-old Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open.
Gauff, who just turned 18 three months ago, became the youngest Grand Slam finalist since 17-year-old Maria Sharapova in 2004. The teenager also equaled Serena Williams as the youngest American woman in a Grand Slam final. Williams was also 17 when she made the US Open final in 1999.
If history is any indication, something special is brewing in Roland Garros. Sharapova went on to win five Grand Slams. Williams, who is still playing, has secured 23 Grand Slams, one shy of Margaret Court's all-time record.
No one is saying that Gauff will best either of those records, or even win the French Open final on Saturday against world no. 1 Iga Swiatek, who has lost just one set in her quest to the doorstep of the Roland Garros title. However, her cool demeanor under pressure and impressive maturity for her age ensure that she won't be going anywhere anytime soon, win or lose on Saturday. Regardless of the outcome, we're looking at one of the brightest stars in the sport.
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