Legendary American coach Rick Macci has suggested Coco Gauff’s ability has the potential to change the course of women’s tennis history.
Gauff has struggled mightily since winning the French Open in June, losing in the Wimbledon first round, and crashing out at the Canadian Open at the hands of 19-year-old star Victoria Mboko.
These struggles have largely derived from her poor serving, and the 21-year-old has brought in biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to help mitigate this issue.
Gauff is still so young; she has plenty of time to correct this issue and return to her Grand Slam-winning form.
Rick Macci, who is credited with aiding the early tennis development of the Williams sisters, has weighed in on the matter.
Rick Macci’s bold Coco Gauff claim
The star coach, who has also worked with Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova during his esteemed career, took to social media on Sunday to express his thoughts regarding Gauff’s future.
Macci has made a big claim, saying that Gauff can alter the course of WTA history if she can develop her forehand and serve to a point where they are the best on Tour.
On X [Twitter], Macci said: “Coco has the most unlimited upside and untapped potential on the tour by far, because she has two slams in her pocket.
“Her age. The rage. A backbone made of steel and two explosive right and left wheels.
“Also, she knows the deal, and has delivered at times with a faulty serve and forehand with nerve.
“She can become a dominant force and change the WTA HISTORY COURSE if the serve and forehand have an accurate science-driven plan and to become the best in the land.”
Where is Coco Gauff playing next?
Following defeat against Naomi Osaka at the US Open, Coco Gauff will defend 1000 WTA points at the China Open in Beijing.
Needless to say, this tournament will be extremely important in determining Gauff’s end-of-year ranking; an early loss in China could see Gauff’s ranking severely damaged.
And, with Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing through injury, Gauff’s path to the title has been made slightly easier.
In 2024, Gauff defeated Clara Burel, Katie Boulter, Naomi Osaka, Julija Starodubzewa and Karolina Muchova to reach the final.RoundOpponentScoreRound of 64Clara Burel7-5, 6-3Round of 32Katie Boulter7-5, 6-2Round of 16Naomi Osaka6-4, 4-6 (Walkover)Quarter-finalsJulija Starodubzewa2-6, 6-2, 6-2Semi-finalsKarolina Muchova6-1, 6-3FinalPaula Badosa4-6, 6-4, 6-2
In the final, the American defeated Spanish star Paula Badosa, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.