Rick Macci believes Coco Gauff elevating her game to another level is a sure thing as Serena Williams' former childhood coach expects to see the 21-year-old return with an improved serve and forehand, which will make her a legitimate contender for the world No. 1 spot.
After struggling with her serve through February and March and posting multiple early exits, Gauff turned the page during the clay season and won her second Grand Slam title at the French Open. But after her service woes resurfaced through the grass season and the start of the North American hard-court swing, the American pulled the trigger and accepted to finally add a biomechanics expert to help her fix her serve technique.
Gavin MacMillan's work with Gauff was already showing in late 2025, but the real results are expected to be seen after they conclude the offseason and the world No. 3 kicks off her 2026 season.
Macci, who coached the Williams sisters in their youth, declared the 21-year-old's defense as "the best on the Tour." And after the reigning French Open champion makes certain tweaks and adjustments to her serve and forehand, the coach suggests everything will be set for the American to dominate.
Macci tips Gauff to become 'a different player' in 2026: With these additions, she'll be knocking on that No. 1 door
"Coco will be a different player in 2026. Serve will be a weapon and the forehand more compact and overall strategy controlling the center of the court. She has the best defense on the tour and with these additions she'll be knocking on that number one door," the 70-year-old coach stated on X.
Coco will be a different player in 2026. Serve will be a weapon and the forehand more compact and overall strategy controlling the center of the court. She has the best defense on the tour and with these additions she will be knocking on that number one door. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) December 8, 2025
Gauff was ranked as high as No. 2 in the world – she achieved it for the first time in June 2024.
The American currently has 4,107 fewer ranking points than world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
