21 under 21 to watch in '21: Hugo Gaston

Baseline is looking ahead to the new year by showcasing 21 players under 21 to watch out for in '21. To make the coveted list, players must be born in 2000 or later.

Not since perhaps Fabrice Santoro has a Frenchman disrupted the Roland Garros draw with an other-worldly ability to execute one of tennis’ most difficult plays, the drop shot. In Paris this fall, Hugo Gaston shocked the world when he upset Stan Wawrinka 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 in the third round. But the wild card entry wasn’t done yet.

After scoring the biggest victory of his young career, Gaston impressed again with a thrilling five-set loss to arguably the world’s second best clay-courter in Dominic Thiem. Though the Austrian would prevail 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-3, Gaston and his unfathomable touch was must-see TV throughout the tournament.

Ranking: No. 162

Age: 20 (September 26, 2000)

What he did in 2020: Upset Wawrinka to reach the Roland Garros fourth round

Instagram:@GastonHugo

Skill highlights: Gaston utilizes the drop shot more often, and more effectively, than any player in recent memory.

With feathery touch and extreme quickness, he drives his competitors crazy:

Not only is his exceptional hand-eye coordination evident, but also his reactions and improvisational skills:

Career highlights: Reaching the fourth round of Roland Garros in 2020; winning four ITF M25K's in 2019; taking home the Australian Open boy's doubles crown in 2018.

With his run to the fourth round, Gaston improved his ranking from No. 239 to No. 157, putting him in #NextGen final contention for 2021.