Coco Gauff’s 2025 season hasn’t gone according to plan—and legendary coach Rick Macci, who once worked with Serena Williams, isn’t holding back his thoughts.
Macci believes Gauff’s struggles stem from technical flaws, particularly in her serve and forehand. In a recent post on X, he said:
“It might get worse before it gets better unless a science-based approach is used to rewire.”
Despite his concerns, Macci also expressed hope for Gauff’s future:
“Coco has untapped potential. She can become world No. 1—and stay there. If she turns her second serve into an asset and transforms her forehand, her first serve could someday hit 130 mph. Her make-up speed is among the best the sport has ever seen.”
🎯 Tweaking Technique
Gauff has been working closely with longtime coach Jean-Christophe Faurel and newly added Matt Daly to revamp key aspects of her game. She’s particularly focused on changing her grip and making her forehand more aggressive—a risky but potentially rewarding move.
In early 2025, Gauff switched to a grip closer to the continental for her serve, a change she committed to despite initial discomfort.
“Even if it’s uncomfortable, I’m trying to stay focused on the long-term path,” she said before the Australian Open. “I’m making adjustments now to build a stronger future.”
📉 2025 Season So Far: A Rocky Road
- Helped Team USA win the United Cup in January
- Reached QF at Australian Open (lost to Paula Badosa)
- Early exits in Doha (Marta Kostyuk) and Dubai (McCartney Kessler)
- U.S. swing disappointments: lost to Belinda Bencic (Indian Wells) & Magda Linette (Miami)
These results have caused Gauff to slip to world No. 4, with Jessica Pegula now the top-ranked American.
Still, Gauff remains composed. When asked about her form, she replied:
“Everyone makes a bigger deal than it is. I’ll lose more matches back-to-back—it’s going to happen.”
📅 Next Stop: European Clay
Gauff is set to begin her European clay-court campaign at the WTA 500 in Stuttgart. She will open in the second round against either Tatjana Maria or Danielle Collins.
🗳️ Fan Poll
Who has been the best WTA player of 2025 so far?
- Jessica Pegula
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Mirra Andreeva
- Coco Gauff
- Iga Swiatek
- Madison Keys
- Other
