Ashlyn Krueger made impressive inroads at the French Open.

The 21-year-old secured her place in the second round after overcoming Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-4 in Paris.

Ashlyn Krueger is into the second round of the French OpenCredit: GETTY

It was a fine performance from Krueger, who’s appearing in just her second French Open main draw.

The 6ft 1in emerging star failed to get past the first round in last year’s edition, and after also falling at the same stage at the Australian Open earlier this year, a second-round Grand Slam appearance will surely satisfy her.

However, it ended in defeat, losing to No.6 seed Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-4.

Luckily, she remains in the women’s doubles bracket, partnering with Coco Gauff’s former roommate to take on Andreeva and partner Diana Shnaider in the first round on Thursday.

That is former tennis player Michael Joyce, who also coached Maria Sharapova.

Joyce has worked with Krueger since 2021, after several stints with other players like Jessica Pegula and Victoria Azarenka.

Although his most successful stint was with the Russian Sharapova, whom he helped guide to three Grand Slams.

The Krueger-Sharapova connection goes beyond just coaching, though.

Like the former world no.1 and two-time French Open champion, Krueger is tall, blonde, and extremely hard-hitting.

The American knew by the age of 11 she wanted to be a professional tennis player, when she saw five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova succeeding at the highest level. “

She had the same body type as me,” Krueger said.

“When you see someone that looks like you, it’s really important. I saw her and said, `I want to do that.’”

Sharapova’s ex-coach Michael Joyce now works with KruegerCredit: GETTY

Krueger reached the final in Abu Dhabi earlier this yearCredit: GETTY

Joyce is now working with Krueger amid a steady upwards trajectory this year.

She started 2025 with a run to the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International, defeating big opponents on the way, including sixth seed Anna Kalinskaya.

Krueger then backed that victory up with another quarterfinal, this time in Adelaide, where she had to come through qualifying.

There, she achieved one of her biggest ever wins, beating fifth seed Paula Badosa before being forced to retire against top seed Jessica Pegula.

After a disappointing Australian Open, she then bounced back by reaching the final in Abu Dhabi, a WTA 500 tournament, losing to Belinda Bencic.

Nevertheless, Krueger, who is currently ranked 35th in the world, has remained optimistic about her year so far as she bids to make 2025 the most successful season of her career.

She even told Tennis Channel about one ambitious goal she has.

Coco Gauff cheekily blames coach for awkward racket blunder before making US tennis history at French Open

“Top 15 at the end of the year,” she said.

When asked how she will get there? By having no regrets.

“Everything just connects [when she plays her best tennis], and I see the court really well,” Krueger said.

“I go for my targets and I have no hesitation. When I have no hesitation, everything just flows.