Coco Gauff does something nobody has managed for 17 years after reaching French Open semi-finals

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Coco Gauff achieved a 17-year first after reaching the semi-finals of the French Open.

The American took on Ons Jabeur in the last eight in what was her toughest test of the tournament so far.

The 29-year-old’s full array of shots were on display as she did not allow the third seed to impose herself and soon earned a break of serve.

The Tunisian made it count and won the first set, but was unable to sustain her level and Gauff raised her game to turn things around and claim a three-set victory.

Coco Gauff does something no player has achieved for 17 years

With her victory Gauff moved into the Roland Garros semi-finals for the second time in her career.

Furthermore, the third seed is the youngest player in 17 years to reach three successive Grand Slam finals. The first two came at the 2023 US Open which she won, and the 2024 Australian Open where she was beaten by the eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.

She is the youngest player to achieve this feat since Maria Sharapova who made four Grand Slam semi-final appearances in a row between Wimbledon 2006 and Roland Garros 2007.

During that time the Russian won the 2006 US Open, which came 17 years before Gauff claimed the title at Flushing Meadows.

What did Coco Gauff say after reaching the Roland Garros semi-finals?

Gauff completed a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over the three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur to keep her semi-final streak at the Grand Slams intact.

The 20-year-old and her semi-final opponent Iga Swiatek are now the only two active players under the age of 26 who have reached more than two Grand Slam semifinals. Post match Gauff addressed her latest before facing the World number one for the 12th time.

“She’s a tough opponent. She’s well-loved on tour,” she said. “I could tell by the crowd today you guys wanted her to win. But honestly when she’s playing I cheer for her too.

“Thank you for making it a good atmosphere. The people made it really fun for me. I know I have a lot of love here in Paris. Trust me I appreciate it. Hopefully you guys can help me make it through the next round.”