Coco Gauff enters the Cincinnati Open carrying both momentum and pressure on her shoulders. The young American has shown flashes of brilliance throughout 2025, but inconsistency has crept into her game at crucial moments. With the tournament serving as a key stepping stone to the US Open, veteran coach Rick Macci stepped forward with timely advice for the rising star.
What Strategic Advice Did Rick Macci Share With Coco Gauff?
On August 4, 2025, Macci delivered his message through social media, emphasizing strategy over intensity. Macci posted a tweet, tagging Gauff and writing:
“Coco does not need to work harder. She now needs to work smarter. But with Cincy around the bend and the Open at the months end she cannot change to an ATP forehand or Platform serve as that would require a science based plan to rewire the mind muscles and nerve. @CocoGauff”
Coco does not need to work harder. She now needs to work smarter. But with Cincy around the bend and the Open at the months end she cannot change to an ATP forehand or Platform serve as that would require a science based plan to rewire the mind muscles and nerve. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 4, 2025
The renowned coach didn’t stop there. Macci followed up with another message, shifting his focus to the mental side of the sport. He wrote:
“Players win/ lose for many reasons. The mind runs the show you deliver the technical base that makes you flow. Confidence is a feeling that comes/ goes depends on what your thinking and dealing. Make confidence your best friend and you will battle till the end. @CocoGauff”
Players win/ lose for many reasons. The mind runs the show you deliver the technical base that makes you flow. Confidence is a feeling that comes/ goes depends on what your thinking and dealing. Make confidence your best friend and you will battle till the end. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 4, 2025
Macci’s timing reflects the reality facing elite players: major tournaments demand smart preparation, not rushed technical overhauls. His message warns against attempting dramatic changes to fundamental strokes like her forehand or serve with crucial matches approaching. Instead, he advocates for tactical adjustments and mental preparation that can yield immediate results.
How Has Gauff’s 2025 Season Set Up This Cincinnati Challenge?
Gauff’s 2025 campaign tells a story of breakthrough success mixed with concerning setbacks. Her 31-10 record demonstrates consistent excellence, highlighted by victories over top-10 opponents throughout the year. The crown jewel remains her French Open triumph, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to claim her first Roland-Garros title.
That victory made Gauff the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win at Roland Garros. She also became the youngest player to capture both the French Open and US Open since Williams accomplished the feat in 2002.
After winning Roland Garros, Coco Gauff shares a note she wrote almost exactly 4 years ago:
“I had a dream last night that I will win French Open.”
Dream it. Believe it. Do it. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/rAnwcHgiEw
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 7, 2025
However, recent struggles have exposed areas needing attention. Her serve has wavered under pressure, particularly on hard courts, where the margin for error shrinks. The most recent example came at the 2025 National Bank Open, where Victoria Mboko stunned Gauff in their round-of-16 encounter on August 3.
Cincinnati holds special significance for Gauff, representing both her greatest hardcourt triumph and a painful reminder of how quickly momentum can shift. She captured the 2023 title, but her title defense ended abruptly with a shocking second-round loss to Yulia Putintseva in 2024.
The 2025 edition presents fresh challenges with its expanded draw and new format. These changes create additional variables that could either work in Gauff’s favor or add complexity to her preparation.
Macci’s counsel arrives at the perfect moment for Gauff to recalibrate her approach. Rather than overthinking technical adjustments, his advice points toward trusting her established strengths while fine-tuning the tactical and mental elements that separate good performances from championship runs. With Cincinnati serving as the final major tune-up before the US Open, Gauff’s response to this guidance could define her late-season trajectory.
