Coco Gauff Told 'Nobody Can Compare' To Serena Williams By Her Ex Coach
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Rick Macci, who coached Serena Williams as a young player, highlighted the similarities and differences between her and current American star Coco Gauff.
Many consider Williams to be the greatest female tennis player ever. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 major doubles titles alongside her sister and fellow tennis legend Venus Williams, and was the world No. 1 in singles for 319 weeks.
Williams bid farewell to tennis at the 2022 US Open. The 43-year-old's 23 major singles crowns are one short of Margaret Court's total, but the significantly better level of women's tennis since Williams began playing means most rank her ahead of Court.
While their achievements on the court would have established them as legends no matter what, Serena and Venus also inspired millions as women of color. They had successful careers despite coming from a humble background.
Gauff has spoken about how much Serena and Venus inspired and helped her to cope with sticking out like a sore thumb as a person of color while she tried to make it as a professional.
The 2023 US Open champion shares other similarities to both Williams' sisters. Like them, Gauff broke through as a very young player and has had to manage high expectations and constant media scrutiny.
Gauff also possesses a natural charisma that is similar to Serena. That factor was one of the reasons why the 20-year-old was ranked as the most marketable tennis player in the world by SportsPro.
Macci is a hall-of-fame coach who worked with Serena and Venus. He has made several comments about Gauff's game, including claiming that her second-serve issues could be fixed in an hour if her motion is biomechanically rewired.
He also thinks Gauff is destined to become the world No. 1, something few would bet against because of how much time she has to improve further and become a legendary figure like Serena and Venus.
Macci released three posts on X (formerly Twitter) to compare Gauff and Serena. Although the American coach said Serena's abilities were unique, he pointed to some areas where her younger compatriot is superior.
"Asked if Coco Gauff is the next Serena. There are common elements. Serena was the Total Package OF SPEED, QUICKNESS, SIZE, STRENGTH, CLEAN GROUNDIES, AND THE BEST SERVE IN THE HISTORY OF WOMEN'S TENNIS. Coco is great. Serena is rare Air, and nobody can Compare."
"Coco counter punches better than any player in and out of the Corner. Her make up speed in and out of the Corner is another level. Wide first serve on duece court is skidding 2 feet up from the Corner. BANG! Number one around the Corner."
"Coco is moving even quicker and faster. Her anticipation and feel of where the ball is going has went up a notch. When you make your opponent hit ONE MORE YOU WON MORE."
Gauff has a long road ahead to match or surpass Serena's achievements. Outstanding players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka being at the top will make it even more challenging, but the WTA Finals champion's chances of matching her idol, Serena, should not be ruled out.
