Coco Gauff backed to win ‘multiple Grand Slams’ as Serena Williams’ ex-coach comes to her defence
Renowned tennis coach Rick Macci, best known for mentoring Serena and Venus Williams, has voiced strong support for Coco Gauff following her latest defeat, backing the 21-year-old to become World No.1 and a multi-time Grand Slam champion.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, fell 6-4, 6-3 to Jasmine Paolini in the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open on Friday. Despite grabbing an early lead in the opening set, the American’s serve faltered, with Paolini breaking her five times across the match.
Gauff’s serve has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, and her inconsistency in this area once again cost her dearly in a key match.
A Champion Backed Through Struggles
Though she ended 2024 on a high—claiming titles at both the China Open and WTA Finals, and leading Team USA to United Cup glory—Gauff has struggled to maintain that momentum in 2025. She has yet to reach a semi-final on the WTA Tour this season since winning in Riyadh.
Despite the dip in form, Macci offered words of encouragement and belief in Gauff’s potential, taking to social media to defend the young star.
“Coco will be fine. You never lose talent or athletic ability,” Macci wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is a journey of winning, losing, staggers, and daggers. She will win multiple Grand Slams and be No. 1 in the future.
“Everybody freaks out when you lose or struggle, but when you win, everyone loves to snuggle.”
Macci, who has worked with the likes of Maria Sharapova and both Williams sisters, continued:
“Coco has some genetic qualities better than any player. This is a fragile mental game, and liabilities become more visible when you lose that edge.
“The Delray Beach track star will get back on track—and track down many Slams in the future.”
Perspective from a Pro
Macci also urged fans and pundits to show patience:
“Everybody needs to take a deep breath—Coco is only 21. She’ll go up and down for a while but will 100% reach another level and beyond.
“Not tomorrow, especially if you’re judging her daily. But before sunshine and rainbows comes rain and thunder.”
Gauff’s Next Challenge: The Madrid Open
Gauff currently sits 11th in the WTA Race to Riyadh, though her position may slip further depending on results in Stuttgart. She’ll look to bounce back at the Madrid Open, where she’ll be seeded fourth. Last year, Gauff made it to the fourth round in the Spanish capital and will aim to go deeper this time around.
