Maria Sharapova has developed a “healthy distance” with tennis since she retired. She has been keeping busy with several new ventures and building a family with beau Alexander Gilkes and son Theo in Florida. Amidst her busy schedule, Sharapova makes sure to keep up with tennis and has become a fan of Coco Gauff. With utmost faith in the player ahead of Wimbledon, Sharapova recalls why she “really wanted to witness that moment” for Gauff.
Sharapova revealed her love for America’s rising star in an interview with the People Magazine. The former Russian player shared how she became a fan of Gauff: “I watched Coco win, which was spectacular. I saw her first game and then I went back home and then was like, ‘OK I’ve got to go to the Open because she’s now gone all the way to the final.’ I think it was a long time coming, so it felt like, yeah, I really wanted to witness that moment for her.”
The former world number 1 mentioned Gauff’s name while talking about her joy at seeing women’s tennis grow. Referring to the reigning US Open champion’s huge potential in the field, Sharapova said, “We’re seeing a lot more consistency in the women’s game and that’s been really refreshing. I’ve enjoyed watching a new generation rise to the occasion. I was very impressed with how Coco handled the US Open win in New York last year.”
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Maria Sharapova’s statements about Coco Gauff show the American has a fan in the Russian legend. Not only did she have faith in Gauff’s abilities, but she also believed that Gauff was prepared to overcome any obstacles that may come her way. Since her last run at Wimbledon in 2019, the Russian beauty has not been seen in the stands. However, the reigning US Open champion might be Sharapova’s reason to visit the British grass courts this July.
Maria Sharapova reveals why her Wimbledon chances are “possible”
The SW19 has been bereft of Sharapova as she has more responsibilities on her hands now. With a business to grow and a son to rear, Sharapova’s schedule is a handful. However, Sharapova shared, “It’s possible,“ that she would attend the British grass-court major in her interview with People Magazine.
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“We spend more time in California since having our son, but also my fiancé’s British, so we spend summers in Europe,” said the former tennis star. If she were to visit the tournament, it would be more than a family event for her, as she would also cheer for Gauff.
Sharapova’s love for Coco Gauff is a result of her brilliant performance at last year’s US Open. Should Gauff read Sharapova’s kind words for her, she would surely be filled with joy. Will we see the two shake hands at the grass slam this season?