‘Coco Gauff must improve two things to reach world No 1′, says Serena Williams’ ex-coach

Ewan West 06 Feb 2025 8:38 PM

Coco Gauff cups her ear during a match

Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci has backed Coco Gauff to establish herself as the world No 1 if she improves two crucial areas of her game.

Gauff currently occupies third spot in the WTA Rankings behind No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Iga Swiatek.

The American star reached her career-high ranking of world No 2 in June last year.

The 20-year-old started her 2025 campaign in blistering form as she inspired the United States to win the United Cup by winning all five of her singles matches and her two doubles matches — all without losing a set.

Gauff then dropped just one set en route to reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before suffering a 5-7, 4-6 loss to world No 10 Paula Badosa.

In her defeat in Melbourne, the 2023 US Open champion struggled with her forehand and second serve, which have both been weaknesses at times in her career.

In a post on X, Macci was bullish about Gauff’s prospects of becoming the best player in the world as he highlighted her potential.

“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” the 70-year-old wrote. “If second serve becomes an asset and forehand become her best shot.

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“Her first serve someday can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Make up speed is as good as the sport has ever seen.”

At the start of the 2025 season, Macci predicted that Gauff will not have to wait long to reach the peak of the rankings.

“Confidence breeds confidence,” he posted on X.

“She always had that in her back pocket but now shifted to her front pocket and Coco will launch like a rocket. Number one around the corner. @CocoGauff.”

Last year, Macci asserted that Gauff’s second serve could be fixed swiftly.

“Coco and her second serve can be fixed in less than one hour,” the American said.

“Once that is biomechanically rewired and that is in the EYE of the BEHOLDER the mental game overall becomes BOLDER.”

Coco Gauff will play for the first time since the Australian Open at the Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 tournament which will be staged from February 9 to 15 in Doha.

The American will aim to win her 10th WTA singles titles and first since her triumph at the WTA Finals in November.