‘It’s not just sport’ – Maria Sharapova’s bold prediction for Coco Gauff as Wimbledon star pays Andy Murray ultimate tribute

Coco Gauff has become the poster girl for US tennis.

The world no. 2 has a fierce will to win, and a likeable, charismatic persona that makes her every bit as powerful on the court as she is off it.

At the age of 20, Gauff is already a Grand Slam champion having won the US Open on home soil in 2023.

Off the court, she’s a bona fide star and one of the most marketable athletes on the planet after being named the highest paid female athlete in the world last year.

The Atlanta native has long been touted as the heir apparent to Serena Williams and, like the 23-time Grand Slam winner, her impact is starting to go beyond the world of tennis.

Maria Sharapova, the Russian icon who lit up Wimbledon as a 17-year-old champion in 2004, recently spoke about Gauff’s growing platform.

Sharapova was in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon this week on the 20th anniversary of her historic victory over Serena in the ’04 showpiece.

The 37-year-old spoke about her admiration for Gauff and predicted the American will be a powerful voice for good across multiple domains in the coming years.

“I was waiting for Coco to get up there,” the five-time major winner said.

“I remember attending the first round of her match which was a tough match at the US Open and then I went back home and then I was contemplating coming back and I just wanted to witness her win because I think she has such an amazing head on her shoulders