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

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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Preview United Cup 2025: New season begins as 2024 ends including Gauff, Fritz, Swiatek, Rybakina and Zverev

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.

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