Coco Gauff’s electrifying start to 2025 hit a roadblock at the Australian Open, where a quarterfinal exit reignited discussions about a recurring flaw in her game. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, has pinpointed the critical gap holding back the 20-year-old phenom—a revelation that could redefine her trajectory toward tennis immortality.
The Missing Piece in Gauff’s Ascent
Gauff arrived in Melbourne fresh off a United Cup victory with Team USA and a triumphant WTA Finals campaign in Riyadh. Yet, her Australian Open run unraveled against Paula Badosa, with 41 unforced errors exposing a familiar weakness: inconsistency in high-pressure moments. Macci, who shaped Williams’ legendary career, argues that Gauff’s serve—specifically her second delivery—remains her Achilles’ heel.
"Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there," Macci stated on social media. "If [her] second serve becomes an asset and [her] forehand becomes her best shot." The coach emphasized that refining these elements could unlock dominance, adding, "Her first serve SOMEDAY can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Makeup speed is as good as the sport has ever seen."
Gauff’s serve has haunted her in pivotal matches. At the 2024 US Open, 19 double faults—including 11 in a single set—sealed her third-round defeat to Emma Navarro. Months later in Wuhan, 21 double faults cost her a lead against Aryna Sabalenka. These stumbles contrast sharply with her brilliance against top rivals like Iga Świątek and Sabalenka, proving her ceiling when fundamentals align.
Currently ranked world No. 3, Gauff’s proximity to the summit underscores her potential. Macci’s critique isn’t a dismissal but a roadmap. By transforming her second serve from a liability to a weapon and sharpening her forehand, she could cement herself as the WTA’s apex predator.
As Gauff prepares for the Qatar Open and Dubai’s WTA 1000 event, all eyes will be on whether she addresses these gaps. With the clay season looming, the clock is ticking to refine the tools that separate contenders from legends.