Former coach Rick Macci, known for working with Serena and Venus Williams, has identified two critical weaknesses in Coco Gauff’s game ahead of the upcoming US Open. The 21-year-old American tennis player, who is currently at a pivotal point in her career, has struggled to maintain consistent form since winning her second Grand Slam title at the French Open in June. Macci emphasized that refining her serve and forehand will be essential if Gauff aims to reclaim her top-tier status.

Recent Performance Challenges on the WTA Tour

Gauff’s recent results have highlighted difficulties that could impact her momentum going into the US Open. She has not reached a single semi-final over the past two months and experienced an unexpected first-round loss at Wimbledon, where she was defeated in straight sets by unseeded Dayana Yastremska. Furthermore, her form did not improve significantly at the Cincinnati Open, where she lost in the quarter-finals to Jasmine Paolini in three sets. This followed a third-round exit at the Canadian Open, where eventual champion Victoria Mboko eliminated her.

Macci’s Insights on Gauff’s Serve and Forehand

Sharing his views on social media platform X, Macci encouraged Gauff, stressing her fighting spirit and playing intelligence. However, he was clear about the technical issues holding her back:

“Coco will be OK as she fights and knows how to play. But to ever breathe rare air she has to address the alarming red flare. She is at a career crossroad with the 2nd serve and forehand but needs a science based plan.”

He further cautioned that these problems

“will not magically go away and bubbles up more under extreme pressure that particular day.”

Macci’s remarks point to the need for a tactical and data-driven approach to refine these specific aspects of Gauff’s game.

Legacy of Coaching and Track Record with Top Players

Macci holds a distinguished place in tennis coaching history, having worked with multiple world number ones, including Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Maria Sharapova. His expertise lends weight to his observations concerning Gauff’s potential and the technical adjustments necessary to elevate her play. His long-standing experience offers a comprehensive perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

The Impact of Gauff’s Serve on Her Game

The second serve has been a persistent vulnerability for Gauff and a key focus in Macci’s analysis. In a recent interview with tennis365, he pointed out the paradox in her serving statistics:

“Think about it, her wide serve to the deuce court is one of the best in the world, but then in the same breath, we’re talking about she leads the WTA Tour in double faults.”

Macci underscored the gap between potential and consistency, noting, “So there’s a disconnect.” He suggested that correcting this issue could propel Gauff to the top ranking and sustain her there, saying,

“I think not only could Coco become No 1 – which she probably will anyways – I think she could stay there for a long time, because her backbone is better than her backhand and she’s an Olympic sprinter with a racket in her hand.”

He added,

“But to be great, it’s a package, and if this serve could be modified, I have no doubt where she could end up – double digits (Grand Slams) is around the corner for Coco.”

— Rick Macci, Former Tennis Coach

Statistical Evidence of Serve-Related Difficulties

Data over Gauff’s most recent five matches highlight her service struggles. She is averaging 9.2 double faults per match, a figure that stands out compared to competitors. For example, world number 11 Elena Rybakina, who comes closest to Gauff’s stats, averages 4.2 double faults in the same period.

Additionally, Gauff has the lowest percentage of points won on her second serve, at just 48.5%, while other leading players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina maintain averages exceeding 50% over their last five matches. These figures underline the urgency of improvement in her second serve to remain competitive at the highest level.

Looking Ahead to the US Open and Career Implications

As the US Open singles draw begins on Sunday, Coco Gauff’s preparation has faced setbacks that could influence her performance. Despite recent disappointments, experts like Macci remain optimistic about her long-term prospects, provided she works diligently to sharpen the flawed elements within her game. Her current challenges mark a significant junction in her career trajectory, where targeted adjustments could determine whether she establishes sustained success or continues to face hurdles.