Could Coco Gauff be on the verge of revolutionizing her game and joining the ranks of tennis legends? Her recent serving performance has sparked a bold prediction from none other than Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci. But here's where it gets intriguing: Macci isn’t just praising her progress—he’s forecasting that Gauff’s serve could become one of the greatest in tennis history. Let’s dive into what’s behind this daring claim and why it’s turning heads in the tennis world.
Under the guidance of her newly appointed coach, Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist, Gauff has been working tirelessly to overhaul her serve. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about fixing a flaw—it’s about rewiring her muscle memory to address the root causes of her struggles. Before MacMillan, Gauff had tallied a staggering 320 double faults across 48 matches, a statistic that highlighted the urgency for change. While her fourth-round exit at the US Open might have been a setback, her recent performances in Beijing and Wuhan suggest that the hard work is paying off.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Some critics argue that relying too heavily on biomechanics could strip a player of their natural instincts. But MacMillan’s approach with Gauff seems to be striking a balance. In her opening match at the Wuhan Open against Moyuka Uchijima, Gauff delivered a flawless serving performance—zero double faults, five aces, and an 85% first serve percentage. This isn’t just an improvement; it’s a transformation. Macci himself noted on social media that Gauff has moved beyond reacting to symptoms and is now addressing the origins of her serving issues.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. At just 21, Gauff is already a two-time major champion, and her decision to switch coaching staff appears to be paying dividends. Her third-round match against Zhang Shuai showcased her growing consistency, with an 82% second serve win percentage. Even in her fourth-round loss to Laura Siegemund, where she recorded six double faults, Gauff was only broken once—a testament to her resilience and progress.
So, is Macci’s prediction a stretch, or is he onto something? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is no longer just a rising star—she’s a player on the brink of redefining her game. What do you think? Is Gauff’s serve destined for greatness, or is Macci’s claim too bold? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
