“With that foot speed and rage, she can write a new page”: Rick Macci on Coco Gauff’s potential in 2025

Thursday, 26 December 2024 at 18:24

Former Venus and Serena Williams coach Rick Macci discussed the weaknesses Coco Gauff needs to address ahead of a new season on the Tour. The world No. 3 finished 2024 on a high note, winning her second WTA 1000 title at the China Open and her first WTA Finals trophy.

For Gauff, this achievement also marked her season-ending spot on the podium in the rankings, a feat that seemed unlikely after a significant loss of points during the summer US Open Series. She failed to defend her title at the DC Open after opting to participate in the Olympic Games (losing in the first round).

"Serve and forehand: key to greatness”

She also faced an early exit in the first round at the Cincinnati Open, where she was the defending champion. At the US Open, she only reached the fourth round, leading to a steep drop in her ranking. However, a strong finish to the season propelled her to third place, behind Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

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Although she remains far from catching up with the top two players, the 20-year-old American appears poised to challenge the Sabalenka-Swiatek stronghold. Gauff is among the favourites for the Australian Open, but she will need to replicate her late 2024 form to achieve a deep run.

Regarding this, Rick Macci shared his analysis on social media, highlighting the areas where Gauff needs to improve to aim high in 2025. “We will see right away if there has been a major technical change in the serve and forehand. If they are the correct adjustments and the muscle memory has been 100% extracted, Coco, with that foot speed and burning rage, will enter a new age, write a new page. @CocoGauff,” he posted.

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Gauff will start her season at the United Cup, teaming up with Taylor Fritz to compete in the group stage in Perth. They will face Canada (featuring Leylah Fernandez) and Croatia (with Donna Vekic on the team). Once her participation in the tournament concludes, Gauff will travel to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open, where she will enter as the third seed.

We will see right away if there has been a major technical change in the serve and forehand. If they are the correct adjustments and the Muscle memory has been 100% extracted Coco with that foot speed and burning rage will enter a new age write a new page. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) December 26, 2024

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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