Tennis veteran comes in support of Coco Gauff amid recent criticism: “She can still improve her…”
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old world No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has faced a wave of criticism following a turbulent summer on the 2025 WTA hard-court circuit. Her fourth-round exit at the US Open on September 1—a 6-3, 6-2 defeat to Naomi Osaka—sparked intense scrutiny, particularly targeting her inconsistent serve and forehand errors. With 311 double faults in the 2025 season, the highest on the WTA Tour, Gauff’s serving struggles were glaring in matches like the Canadian Open (37 double faults over two matches) and Cincinnati Open. Yet, amidst the noise, legendary coach Rick Macci, who shaped the early careers of Serena and Venus Williams, has come to Gauff’s defense, offering both technical insights and unwavering optimism about her potential to transform her serve into a dominant weapon.
A Challenging Summer for Gauff
Gauff’s 2025 season has been a tale of highs and lows. Fresh off her French Open triumph in June, where she claimed her second Grand Slam title, the young American struggled to maintain momentum. Her summer hard-court swing saw a 4-4 record across eight matches, with early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati exposing vulnerabilities. At the US Open, her loss to Osaka highlighted persistent issues: 19 double faults and a barrage of forehand unforced errors. Social media erupted, with some fans labeling her summer a “disaster” and urging an extended break to reset.
In response, Gauff parted ways with coach Matt Daly and enlisted Gavin MacMillan, a technique specialist who previously worked with Aryna Sabalenka. Reflecting on her US Open performance, Gauff remained defiant yet introspective: “I’m still 21… if I keep working like this, where my game could be [at 25 or 26] excites me.” She noted serve improvements—more aces and fewer double faults in later rounds—and plans a training block before defending her China Open title from September 28 to October 6.
Rick Macci’s Vote of Confidence
Enter Rick Macci, whose coaching pedigree includes mentoring a young Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and other tennis greats. In a recent interview, Macci dismissed Gauff’s critics, predicting her serve could reach elite levels, potentially hitting 125 mph with the right adjustments. He pinpointed her current pinpoint stance—where the back foot slides forward during the serve—as a limiting factor. Macci proposed a bold solution:
“I would have her go to a platform stance… the corrective technique has to jolt the muscle memory, and I gotta re-programme the reflexes from the beginning. In a platform stance, it’d be like fresh out of the oven. The whole timing would be very different, her vertical component would be easier to correct.”
Macci’s confidence stems from Gauff’s athleticism and youth. He believes a platform stance, where both feet remain stationary, could stabilize her timing and enhance her vertical drive, reducing double faults and unlocking a “real weapon.” He warned her rivals: “She will rip [her serve]… She can still improve her serve to become a dominant force.”
Gauff’s Path Forward
Gauff’s resilience shines through despite the setbacks. She views her US Open performance as a “step in the right direction” and is skipping the Billie Jean King Cup Finals to focus on off-season preparation for the 2026 Australian Open. Her next test comes at the China Open, where she’ll defend her 2024 title and aim to bolster her chances for the WTA Finals in Riyadh. With MacMillan’s technical guidance and Macci’s public backing, Gauff is poised to address her serve’s inconsistencies and silence doubters.
A Broader Perspective
The criticism Gauff faces reflects the sky-high expectations placed on her since her breakout at 15. As a projected top-5 finisher in 2025, her career trajectory remains upward, even with recent stumbles. Macci’s support underscores a key point: Gauff’s potential is far from fully realized. His technical advice aligns with her long-term vision, emphasizing growth over immediate perfection.
As Gauff prepares for Beijing, the tennis world will be watching her serve closely. If Macci’s predictions hold, her rivals may soon face a revitalized Coco Gauff—one whose serve could redefine her game and cement her as a perennial Grand Slam contender.
