After Coco Gauff’s remarkable victory at the 2025 French Open, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, predicted that the rising American star is on course to become the World No 1 tennis player. Despite this optimistic outlook, Macci warned that Gauff’s path to reaching the top ranking will likely encounter difficulties that will test her resilience.
Rick Macci Foresees Coco Gauff Reaching Top Ranking Following French Open Triumph
At the 2025 French Open, Coco Gauff, seeded second, displayed impressive skill and determination. She advanced past players including Olivia Gadecki, Marie Bouzková, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Madison Keys to secure a place in the final. In the championship match, Gauff triumphed over the tournament’s top seed, Aryna Sabalenka, with a three-set victory of 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. This win marked her first singles title at Roland Garros, her second Grand Slam singles championship, and her third Major title overall.
Following the tournament, Rick Macci publicly praised Gauff’s tenacity and fighting spirit, suggesting that these qualities make her a strong contender to become the next World No 1. He acknowledged, however, that she will face some “bumpy patches” along the way but believes her unwavering resolve will help her overcome obstacles.
The way Coco fights digs and Scratches at 21 there still will be bumpy Patches but number one is around the Bend and her rock solid backbone is her best Friend. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci, Former Coach of Serena Williams
How Gauff’s Mindset Sets Her Apart as a Role Model for Young Athletes
Macci also highlighted Coco Gauff’s mindset as a key component of her success and praised her as a role model for young athletes across all sports. He noted that her mental strength, particularly her ability to move past setbacks and maintain determination, was central to her performance at the French Open.
Coco is a great role model for every young athlete in any sport that having the mindset to REMEMBER TO FORGET and never QUIT is the CENTERPIECE of the Rolland-Garros 2025 champion we saw on CENTER COURT. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci, Former Coach of Serena Williams
At 70, Macci also credited Gauff’s family, especially her parents, for the mental training that supports her competitive edge. He described her overall match mentality and presence on the court as “world class.”
Coco is WORLD CLASS and her parents training her mentally has been WORLD CLASS and the entire family has CLASS. She has shown the world a MASTERCLASS in fighting spirit. The Delray Dart just bagged her second SLAM because she is a LION and not a LAMB. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci, Former Coach of Serena Williams
Macci further described Gauff as authentic and quick on the court, emphasizing that she is “the real deal,” indicating a deep belief in her potential to dominate women’s tennis in the years ahead.
Upcoming Challenges and the Road Ahead for Coco Gauff
As Coco Gauff prepares to start the grass-court season at the 2025 Berlin Tennis Open, beginning June 16, she will face new opponents and playing conditions that will test her adaptability. The transition from clay courts to grass often demands adjustments in style and strategy, adding layers of complexity to her quest for the top ranking.
Rick Macci’s predictions underscore both the excitement around Gauff’s future and the challenges she must navigate. While many in the tennis world now see her as a potential World No 1, her continued growth, consistency, and mental toughness will be essential for solidifying that position amid fierce competition.
Gauff’s rise is significant not only for her personal career but also for inspiring a new generation of athletes who look up to her as a symbol of determination and excellence. Her upcoming performances will be closely watched as she vies to fulfill the promise that experts like Macci envision for her on the global tennis stage.