"Coco is going to win some Grand Slams there's no doubt about it" - Macci on Gauff's potential
WTA
In an exclusive interview with Tennis Infinity, Rick Macci spoke about the future of American teenage sensation Coco Gauff.
At the 2022 Roland Garros, Gauff played her first singles Grand Slam final and gained a lot of experience. However, she lost to Iga Swiatek, who was too dominant on the clay courts in Paris.
Still, only an 18-year-old American player can certainly look forward to plenty of success in the future. That's according to Rick Macci, who worked with many talents.
The legendary American coach has experience working with the likes of Serena and Venus Williams, but he also coached Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Maria Sharapova.
Now, Macci talked to Tennis Infinity, discussing also Gauff's career. According to the experienced coach, Gauff's athletic qualities can help her a lot in her career.
"I know Coco and her father, we’re all in Florida. She is the best pure athlete running on the WTA Tour. What that means is when you're nervous, you can still play offense and defense."
"She can run, she's a track star that has a tennis racket in her hand reminds me a lot of Venus as far as the strides and the running goes. Forehand can be a little suspect, serve can kind of go off a little bit."
Although the young American can still struggle with her forehand and her serve, she still has plenty of time to improve. According to Macci, Gauff could be even better if she decided to dictate the rallies more and come closer to the baseline, becoming more aggressive.
The American player's defense works great, but it might be more challenging for her to succeed while only defending.
"Coco is going to win some Grand Slams there's no doubt about it. She's only 18, she’s gonna get better. But to dominate the game, I would like to see her play closer to the baseline, dictate, cut the court, take the ball early, hit the ball cleaner. She counter punches a lot and that's a tougher way to make a living and to become a champion."
