"Number one is around the corner" – Rick Macci on Coco Gauff's potential

Coco Gauff’s rapid climb up the WTA rankings has been incredible to witness. The American star is one of the most well-known athletes in the sport and has a bright future ahead of her.

Renowned tennis coach Rick Macci believes that Gauff has the potential to reach the world number one spot if she improves certain aspects of her game.

As stated before, Gauff has made significant progress in the rankings since turning professional in 2018. The 20-year-old currently holds the third spot in the WTA rankings and will aspire to reach the top sooner rather than later.

She has 19 titles on tour, with 10 in singles and nine in doubles. Gauff captured her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 2024 and is always looking for more major titles. So far, her 2025 season has included United Cup success with the U.S. team and a quarter-final run in Melbourne. It will be interesting to see how she performs throughout the year.

Macci believes that Gauff can reach the world number one spot and that she is not far from achieving it. He shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), emphasising her untapped potential.

"Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and, most of all, stay there," the 70-year-old coachwrote.

"If second serve becomes an asset and forehand becomes her best shot.

"Her first serve someday can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Make-up speed is as good as the sport has ever seen."

Macci added that Gauff’s growing confidence will help her reach new heights.

"Confidence breeds confidence," Macci posted on X.

"She always had that in her back pocket, but now, she has shifted to her front pocket, and Coco will launch like a rocket. Number one is around the corner. @CocoGauff."

On Sky Sports Tennis, presenter Gigi Salmon also discussed the race for world number one and sees Gauff as a major contender.

"She [Sabalenka] continues to go from strength to strength, with no obvious weaknesses in her game. She seems settled on and off court with the people around her," she told Sky Sports Tennis.

"Swiatek is going through a period of transition with a new team, and while I think Gauff could be her closest challenger, I think Sabalenka will hold everyone off."

Macci also believes Gauff’s second serve can be fixed quickly and that a small adjustment could make a big difference.

"Coco and her second serve can be fixed in less than one hour," he said.

"Once that is biomechanically rewired and in the EYE of the BEHOLDER, the mental game overall becomes BOLDER."

Gauff is a sensational talent, and her development as a player continues to impress. Many are eager to see how her career progresses, and the prospect of her reaching number one is becoming more realistic as she continues to improve.