"It can be done easily" - Rick Macci pinpoints changes in Coco Gauff's game that could vault the American to World No.1

Top-ranked American Coco Gauff has already accomplished a lot in her career, but legendary coach Rick Macci believes the 21-year old could climb to the World No.1 position if she were to modify certain aspects of her gamestyle.

After a hot start to the 2025 season that saw her lead Team USA to United Cup glory, Gauff has had a subpar season, with her best performance being a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. The Atlanta native had a disappointing run in the Middle East, losing in the opening round at Doha and Dubai.

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Making changes to her serve and forehand could propel Gauff to the next level, says Macci

Gauff's shaky play was evident at the 2025 Indian Wells tournament, where she struggled during her run to the round of 16. The World No.3 faced Swiss star Belinda Bencic, but was unable to capitalize after winning the first set as Bencic prevailed in a 6-3 3-6 4-6 victory.

It was evident Gauff was having difficulties with her serve and forehand, as she hit 21 double faults and 74 unforced errors in her opening win against Moyuka Uchijima and then hit six double faults in a single game while serving out her third-round victory versus Maria Sakkari. Following her loss to Bencic, Macci, who has worked with the likes of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, suggested Gauff make some amendments in order to climb to the top of the rankings.

"Losing makes the problem bubble up," wrote Macci on Twitter. "With an athlete like Coco it makes ZERO sense as I said 2 years ago not to Biomechanically modify the forehand/second serve. It can be done easily. If she went into combat with ATP forehand / Platform serve no doubt be number one but most of all stay there.”

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