“Everybody needs to take a deep breath”: Maria Sharapova’s ex-coach backs Coco Gauff to win ‘multiple Grand Slams’ despite recent struggles

Rick Macci, the former coach of tennis legend Maria Sharapova, has voiced strong support for American star Coco Gauff, assuring fans that despite her current struggles, she is on track to win multiple Grand Slam titles.

At just 21, Gauff is already considered one of the top players in women’s tennis, competing alongside names like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula. However, by her high standards, the start of 2025 has been underwhelming. She has entered six tournaments this year and has yet to progress beyond the quarterfinal stage. Most recently, she fell to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Despite the setbacks, Macci—who has also coached Serena and Venus Williams, as well as Andy Murray—took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to remind the tennis world of Gauff’s immense potential.

“Coco will be fine. You never lose talent or athletic ability,” he wrote. “This is a journey filled with highs and lows. She’ll win multiple Grand Slams and will be World No. 1 in the future.”

Macci emphasized the need for patience, highlighting that Gauff still has time to grow and improve. He praised her physical abilities and mental toughness, noting that struggles are a normal part of the process for any elite athlete.

“Everyone freaks out when you lose or struggle. But if you win, everybody wants to snuggle,” Macci quipped. “Coco has genetic qualities better than any player out there. This is a fragile mental game, and when you lose that edge, liabilities start to show. But she’ll get back on track—and track down many more titles.”

He concluded his message with a reminder that Gauff is still young and evolving:

“She’s only 21. There will be ups and downs, but she will reach another level. Not tomorrow—but soon. Before the sunshine and rainbow, there’s always a little rain and thunder.”