Maria Sharapova is one of Coco Gauff‘s biggest fans. It is surely a big achievement when a Wimbledon champion and former No. 1 ranked tennis player admires you. So the young star would be proud to know that Sharapova, in 2023, took time just to watch her play. 

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.” 

Well, Gauff ended up winning the US Open championship that year. It was her first major title. With that triumph, she rose up to the expectations people set for her from a young age. Ever since she burst into the tennis scene as a teenager, people wanted to see her win a major. However, back then, Gauff also mentioned how she was hit by imposter syndrome because of her quick rise.

“Imposter syndrome is a serious thing, so sometimes I feel it. But it’s something I’m working on to understand that I’m here for a reason, that my ranking is here for a reason, and that I really deserve it.”

In March, Sharapova 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.”

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. In July 2022, she welcomed her son, Theodore, with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes.

However, Sharapova shared with PEOPLE, “It’s possible,“ that she would attend the British grass-court major. “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.

Iga Swiatek will be the top seed for the 10th consecutive Wimbledon in a row. On the other hand, Gauff became world No. 2 for the first time after post the French Open. The Wimbledon is going to be her first major where she will compete as the second seed. Further, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will be the third and fourth seeds, respectively.

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?