Coco Gauff Gets Game-Changing Tips From Serena Williams’ Childhood Mentor to Unleash a Dominant Swing
Coco Gauff’s Evolving Playing Style and Why Rick Macci’s Advice Could Be Game-Changing
Coco Gauff’s playing style has undergone multiple transformations as she has worked with different coaches. In 2023, under the guidance of Brad Gilbert, Gauff’s game was built around heavy topspin, particularly on her forehand, which proved to be unstable. Combined with her inherently defensive style, this approach failed to yield consistent success, leading to several tough losses.
Following her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in 2024, Gauff recognized the limitations of her strategy and admitted:
“I think that’s kind of been where I’ve been messing up in all my matches this year. All the ones I’ve lost, I think I lost because of that. I think [my defense] should be more used as a tool in a toolbox than as a weapon.”
Gauff’s Tactical Shift Under New Coaches
Determined to refine her technique, Gauff began working with Matt Daly in 2024, making subtle changes to her grip, particularly adopting an eastern backhand style to strengthen her forehand. However, her most noticeable adjustments came under Jean-Christophe Faurel and Daly at the Australian Open.
Previously, Gauff’s reliance on her athleticism and footwork often resulted in her leaning backward, causing instability and mis-hits. This mechanical flaw led to inconsistent shot execution, with her swings lifting upward instead of driving through the ball. More recently, however, she has been using her legs for better positioning, allowing for greater balance and shot control.
Why Rick Macci’s Guidance Could Be Transformative for Gauff
Rick Macci is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis coaches of all time, having developed multiple World No. 1 players, including Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, and the Williams sisters. He played a pivotal role in shaping Serena and Venus Williams’ games during their formative years in Compton, California, alongside their father Richard Williams.
Macci is particularly known for his expertise in correcting technical flaws, instilling discipline, and developing mental toughness—qualities that could greatly benefit Gauff. Having idolized Serena and Venus Williams since childhood, Gauff may find Macci’s strategic and technical insight instrumental in refining her offensive play.
Gauff’s Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Gauff is widely recognized for her defensive prowess, powerful serve, and exceptional agility. Fellow American Ben Shelton has praised her as “such a great athlete”, noting her movement and defense resemble those of a male player. He added that she plays with “a lot of passion” and brings something “special and different” to the game.
However, despite her athletic gifts, gaps in Gauff’s game become evident against top-tier opponents like Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa.
- At the 2024 Australian Open, she fell short in the semifinals against Sabalenka. Tennis analyst Abigail Johnson noted on the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast:
“With Gauff, it will always be riding a little bit on the opponent’s racket when she’s up against someone like Sabalenka. Because she’s never gonna match Sabalenka for the strike up the grounds. That is something that she has accepted and solved with the game style that she has developed.” - In the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, Gauff struggled against Paula Badosa, committing 41 unforced errors, struggling with her forehand and serve, and ultimately losing rhythm—allowing Badosa to exploit her weaknesses.
Could Rick Macci Help Gauff Overcome These Challenges?
Given Macci’s track record of transforming young talent into dominant champions, his expertise could be crucial in helping Gauff refine her offensive strategy and correct technical inconsistencies. With a more aggressive approach and stronger shot execution, she could take her game to the next level.
What do you think? Could Rick Macci’s guidance be the key to unlocking Gauff’s full potential? Let us know in the comments!
