Rick Macci sees championship potential in Coco Gauff, but he believes one critical flaw could keep her from reaching the top. The former coach to Serena Williams recently outlined his roadmap for Gauff to reclaim her shot at the World No. 1 ranking, identifying a specific technical issue that needs immediate attention.
Gauff most recently competed at the 2025 US Open. She was seeded third and began her campaign by defeating Ajla Tomljanović with a score of 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 in the first round. She then went on to overcome Donna Vekić (7-6(5), 6-2) and 28th seed Magdalena Fręch (6-3, 6-1) in the second and third rounds, respectively. Her run ended in the fourth round, losing to 23rd seed Naomi Osaka with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
How Can Coco Gauff’s Serve Unlock Her Path to World No. 1?
Before the 2025 US Open, Gauff and Iga Świątek were both vying for the World No. 1 ranking. However, Aryna Sabalenka retained the top position after reaching the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.
In light of this, Macci took to social media and stated that Gauff’s fighting spirit and determination could help her regain her position by leveraging her “serve,” which he described as her “best shot.” The tennis coach also suggested that the World No. 3 needs to “reprogram” her forehand to secure the top ranking.
“Because Coco fights and can fly she never says good bye. Her serve will become her best shot and she contend again for the number one spot. If she is reprogramed with the more compact explosive ATP FOREHAND the Delray Dart will be number one in the land. @CocoGauff,” Macci posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Because Coco fights and can fly she never says good bye. Her serve will become her best shot and she contend again for the number one spot. If she is reprogramed with the more compact explosive ATP FOREHAND the Delray Dart will be number one in the land. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) September 11, 2025
Macci’s belief in Gauff’s serving potential comes despite her ongoing struggles with double faults. The American leads the WTA Tour in double faults this season with 250 in 41 matches. This persistent issue has drawn attention from multiple tennis experts, but Macci maintains that her serve could become her greatest weapon once refined.
Gauff has previously achieved the highest singles ranking in World No. 2 and held the World No. 1 ranking in doubles.
What Does Coco Gauff’s China Open Defense Look Like?
Following the conclusion of her campaign at the 2025 US Open, Gauff is set to begin her run in the Asian swing of the Tour. She is expected to compete next at the 2025 China Open, where she is the defending champion. The tournament will occur at the National Tennis Center in Beijing from September 24 to October 6, 2025.
In addition to Gauff, several top players are expected to participate in the WTA 1000 hard-court tournament in Beijing, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Bianca Andreescu, Naomi Osaka, Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Belinda Bencic, Katie Boulter, and Leylah Fernandez.
MORE: Coco Gauff Drops ‘Punishments’ Joke About Flau’jae Johnson’s Kim Mulkey Impersonation
Last year, Gauff was seeded fourth at the China Open and began her campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. She defeated Clara Burel in her opening match, winning with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3. She then overcame 26th seed Boulter 7-5, 6-2, and Osaka 3-6, 6-4, 0-0 retd. in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, the World No. 3 triumphed over qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. She secured her place in the final by eliminating 15th seed Paula Badosa 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals. Gauff defeated Karolína Muchová in the championship match with a score of 6-1, 6-3 to win the title, claiming her second WTA 1000 title and eighth career singles title.
The defending champion will face immediate pressure to repeat her success from the 2024 tournament. As the third seed in Beijing, Gauff enters with significant ranking points to defend and the expectations that come with being the reigning champion.
