Jabeur believes Gauff has the potential to make it the 'Big Four' in the women's game

Coco Gauff's game intelligence and fighting spirit will help her establish herself among the "Big Four" of women's tennis, Tunisia's Ons Jabeur said after losing to the American in the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Third seed Gauff came back from a set down to defeat Jabeur 4-6 6-2 6-3 and advance to the semi-finals for the second time. She finished second place in 2022.

Since Ash Barty's retirement, world number one Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina have won six of the last eight Grand Slam titles, earning the moniker "Big Three."

However, 20-year-old Gauff, who won her first Grand Slam title at last year's U.S. Open, has risen to third place in the rankings, sandwiched between the big-hitting Sabalenka and Rybakina.

"I think Coco is an amazing player. My favourite thing about Coco is her fighting spirit. I think she's playing great tennis right now," Jabeur told reporters.

"Obviously, she's such a fighter, she always tries to find ways, she's really smart on the court. I definitely see her becoming maybe (a member of) the 'Big Four'. They have the 'Big Three' right now," she added with a smile.

"I think she has a long way (to go). She's what, number three right now? And having a lot of things to improve, it's actually good news for a player."

Although Gauff struggled during the claycourt swing as she attempted to fine-tune her serve, the American has worked on her flaws to transform it into a formidable weapon.

Against Jabeur, she consistently hit 200 km/hr, with one serve reaching 205 km/hr, the fastest serve by a woman at Roland Garros this year.

"It was a tough match today, which I expected. Coco plays really well," Jabeur added. "At certain moments it was difficult for me to return her serves, mainly on my forehand.

"Coco was better (in) the moments, especially in the third set."

SportsLigue