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A tennis icon has pinpointed the root cause of World No. 4 Coco Gauff’s alarming slump in the 2025 season. The 21-year-old phenom, once hailed as the future of American tennis, has stumbled through a nightmare stretch this year—crashing out early at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open. Her ranking slide from third to fourth, overtaken by Jessica Pegula, underscores her struggles.
While fans scratch their heads over her dip in form, a legendary coach has dissected the technical flaws derailing her progress—and the fixes she desperately needs.
Rick Macci’s Diagnosis: “Rewire the Forehand, Unleash the Beast”
Renowned coach Rick Macci, who shaped Serena Williams’ career, believes Gauff’s forehand and serve mechanics are at the heart of her woes.
“Might get worse before better unless a science-based approach is used to rewire [her forehand],” Macci stated bluntly.
He praised her explosive speed and “elite double BEES” (backhand and backbone) but stressed that her forehand lacks consistency under pressure.
Coco Gauff’s 2025 stats paint a grim picture. Her first-serve win percentage has dipped to 65%, while unforced errors on forehands have spiked by 18% compared to her 2024 campaign. Macci argues that minor tweaks could unlock her “untapped potential,” even suggesting her first serve could someday hit 130 mph with refined technique.
“If she takes a step back [to rebuild], she’ll go many more steps forward,” he insisted.
The criticism isn’t isolated. Former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs echoed concerns, highlighting how outdoor conditions expose Gauff’s shaky technique.
“Her forehand grip and service motion crumble in wind or variable conditions,” Stubbs noted, adding that her 2024 indoor successes masked these flaws. Both experts agree: without addressing these issues, Coco Gauff risks plateauing.
Coco Gauff’s response: Defiance amid the doubt
The young star, however, remains unfazed. At Indian Wells, she brushed off the noise:
“Everyone makes a bigger deal than what it is. I’ll lose more matches back to back—it’s going to happen.”
Her confidence isn’t misplaced. Just last year, she clinched the French Open doubles title and reached the Roland Garros singles final, proving her clay-court prowess.
The road ahead: Clay courts to the rescue?
All eyes now turn to the Madrid Open, where Coco Gauff will debut on her favored clay surface. Historically, slower courts have tempered her forehand inconsistencies, allowing her athleticism and backhand brilliance to shine. A deep run here could reignite her season—and silence skeptics.
But the clock is ticking. With rivals like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka refining their games, Gauff’s technical rebuild can’t wait. As Macci warns: “Coco is special, but greatness demands evolution.” Whether she heeds this advice—or doubles down on her current approach—will define her trajectory in 2025 and beyond.
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