By winning the Wuhan Open, her third WTA 1000 crown, Coco Gauff may have silenced doubts about her recent form. In doing so, the American seemingly validated Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci’s, advice to stay the course and not take a mid-season break.
Gauff’s Wuhan victory ended a run as one of the most consistent drivers in NASCAR this season. Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports was certainly one of the favorite title contenders until his Vegas outing.
What Did Rick Macci Say After Coco Gauff’s Wuhan Open Triumph?
While Stubbs had her own opinions about the world No. 3, veteran coach Macci took a different stance. The 70-year-old dismissed suggestions for Gauff to end her season, praising her emotional strength and determination to push through adversity.
Moreover, the 21-year-old arrived in Wuhan clearly intending to silence doubts and reclaim her winning rhythm. Capping off a brilliant campaign, she defeated world No. 5 Jessica Pegula 6-4, 7-5 in an hour and 42 minutes, much to Macci’s delight.
The veteran coach praised Gauff for continuing to compete instead of taking a break, calling it a “gold nugget decision.” He emphasized that facing challenges head-on helps players improve faster.
“As I said many times, the best way to solve a problem is not to create a new one. Coco and her gold nugget decision to keep competing not retreating and giving the field a beating shows when you dive back in you learn quicker how to win,” he wrote on X.
As I said many times times the best way to solve a problem is not to create a new one. Coco and her gold nugget decision to keep competing not retreating and and giving the field a beating shows when you dive back in you learn quicker how to win. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) October 13, 2025
Gauff’s serve had been a glaring weakness this season, with double faults piling up at the highest rate. She brought renowned mentor and biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan on board to tackle it, significantly improving her technique. Macci also noted that her tossing arm was now perfectly positioned.
MORE: Coco Gauff Urged To ‘Just Shut Down’ Her Run As Former Pro Points Out ‘Mental Toll’
“The science based changes in Coco serve is a career saver. The start / cocking phase/ spine angle / launch point is 100% different and now the tossing arm is in the optimal place and the Delray Dart will have less doubles and on the first loaded to hit an ace. @CocoGauff,” he wrote in another post.
The science based changes in Coco serve is a career saver. The start / cocking phase/ spine angle / launch point is 100% different and now the tossing arm is in the optimal place and the Delray Dart will have less doubles and on the first loaded to hit an ace. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) October 13, 2025
Gauff made history as the first player to claim the Wuhan Open without losing a set since its inception in 2014. With just 25 games lost, she recorded the Wuhan Open’s all-time low for a champion.
