Coco Gauff's stunning US Open title win last September is unlikely to be her only major title, according to celebrated American coach Rick Macci.
Gauff was one of the hottest prospects on the women's tour after an eye-catching cameo as a 15-year-old at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. In fulfilling that teenage hype, she won a WTA title that same season in Linz, becoming the youngest WTA champion in 15 years.
Now 19, she is already an established Top 10 player and rivaling the veterans with her experience. Gauff has been part of WTA's elite for over a year and won three titles at last year's US swing, including her maiden Grand Slam in New York.
The Delray Beach native has done commendably in the wake of sky-high expectations from fans and sponsors, especially in the current modern world where young teenagers are always afflicted with pressure and at risk of going into the wilderness after a short-lived period of success.
Among Gauff's staunchest supporters is Rick Macci, who worked with Gauff's childhood idol, Serena Williams, while she was still a teenager. The 69-year-old believes Gauff has not even tapped into her full potential and is tipping her to win a Grand Salm on every surface.
"During an interview, I was asked about the future of the Delray Dart Coco Gauff. The 19-year-old has not even scratched the surface, as I feel she will win a Slam on every surface."
Gauff made history at the 2024 Australian Open, becoming just the second WTA teenager this century to win at least 12 successive Grand Slam matches. She reached the semifinal Down Under and lost to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Still, it was the best run she enjoyed at Melbourne Park in five trips. At the end of the tournament, she returned to World No. 3 and remains in the hunt for the World No. 1 ranking in the next six months. Gauff defends the fewest number of points between herself, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka in that time.
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