‘Untapped’ – Serena Williams’ ex-coach makes passionate plea to Coco Gauff to improve one skill that’s holding her back from world No.1
The 2023 US Open champion arrived in Melbourne in exceptional form, having won the United Cup with Team USA a week earlier and securing victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last November.
Gauff made an impressive start Down Under, storming into the quarterfinals, where she faced Paula Badosa, a former world No. 2 who was also in excellent form. However, with 41 unforced errors against the Spaniard, Gauff struggled to find any rhythm in an already challenging match, ultimately ending her Australian Open campaign.
This is not the first time Gauff’s serve issues have contributed to an early exit from a major tournament. She was eliminated in the third round of the US Open last September after hitting 19 double faults, including 11 in a single set, in a loss to Emma Navarro. A month later in Wuhan, she suffered a defeat to Aryna Sabalenka despite leading by a set and 4-2, recording 21 double faults in the process.
Nonetheless, when Gauff’s serve is on point, she has proven she can compete with and defeat the best players in the world. According to renowned coach Rick Macci, once she resolves her serving issues, she has the potential to become the world’s top player.
“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and, most importantly, stay there,” Macci, former coach of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, stated on X. “If her second serve becomes an asset and her forehand turns into her best shot, she will dominate.”
Macci further emphasized Gauff’s ability to enhance her speed, a crucial element for competing at the highest level. “Her first serve could someday reach 130 mph as she continues to refine it. Her make-up speed is among the best the sport has ever seen,” he added.
The 20-year-old Gauff has recently secured victories over both current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. Currently ranked world No. 3, she is within striking distance of the top spot in the WTA rankings.
Gauff is set to return to competition at the Qatar Open in Doha, where she will start in the second round after receiving an automatic bye as the third seed. Having played only one match in Doha previously—resulting in a loss—she will be eager to make a deep run this time.
Following Doha, Gauff will compete in the second WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai before concluding the hard-court swing in Miami ahead of the clay season.
