Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci is of the opinion that tennis superstar Coco Gauff could see her Grand Slam tally increase to double digits in the future, provided the American makes one tactical change to her game play.
At only 21 years of age, Gauff has already won two Grand Slam titles. The Atlanta native won her maiden major title at the 2023 US Open, before clinching her sec ond Grand Slam title at this year's Roland Garros tournament.
The sky seems to be the limit for Gauff, who has seen her ranking climb to a career-high of World No.2. However, Macci believes Gauff could attain the No.1 ranking, in addition to winning several more Grand Slam titles, if she makes some changes to her serve.
Gauff's shaky serve has been a hot topic as of late, as the WTA star hit the most double faults among all WTA players in 2024 (430). Furthermore, the American leads the tour in that category so far this season.
The American coach, who trained the likes of WTA legend Serena Williams and former World No.1 Maria Sharapova during their early years, has been vocal regarding Gauff's shaky second serve. Macci recently spoke more on the matter, stating Gauff would be a dominant force on tour if she addresses her serving issues.
"Think about it, her wide serve to the deuce court is one of the best in the world, but then in the same breath, we’re talking about she leads the WTA Tour in double faults," began Macci in a recent interview. "So there’s a disconnect.
"Not that you couldn’t have a good first serve and a shaky second. Plus, her racket on her serve, the leg drive doesn’t initiate the racket at the right time and… but keeping her weight back longer with the platform and starting brand new, there’s no doubt that [with] myself and Dr. Gordon (an expert in Biomechanics), this could be solved immediately.
"Then, if that changes, I think not only could Coco become No.1 – which she probably will anyways – I think she could stay there for a long time, because her backbone is better than her backhand and she’s an Olympic sprinter with a racket in her hand."
Macci would give prais e to Gauff's mental strength, adding the American would be almost unstoppable were she to hit fewer double faults during her matches.
"I mean that’s like crazy," continued Macci. "I mean, your mind has to be made of granite. I mean, a lot of girls would disappear into outer space. So I just have so much respect for Coco.
“But to be great, it’s a package, and if this serve could be modified, I have no doubt where she could end up – double digits (Grand Slams) is around the corner for Coco."
Gauff is currently competing at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, where she will face Italian Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals.
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