Coco Gauff's aspirations to claim the title of world number one continue to shine bright, illuminated by her recent performances and expert backing. Despite her early exit from the Australian Open, Gauff, who is only 20, has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, leaving many to wonder just how far she can go if she remedies certain technical issues.
Gauff's 2025 season began on a high note as she showcased her talent by leading Team USA to victory at the United Cup, winning all her matches without losing a single set. This impressive performance set the stage for her entry at the Australian Open, where her momentum seemed unshakeable. Yet, the quarterfinals proved to be her stumbling block, as she faced off against Spain's Paula Badosa. The match was characterized by 41 unforced errors, overwhelming Gauff's rhythm and significantly contributing to her 5-7, 4-6 loss.
Reflecting on Gauff's performance, Rick Macci, the former coach of the legendary Serena Williams, noted the problems with her serve and forehand are becoming glaring issues. Having witnessed Gauff's capabilities firsthand, Macci highlighted the recurring theme of service struggles, recalling Gauff's elimination from the 2023 US Open due to 19 double faults and her difficulties during the Wuhan tournament where she served 21 double faults, even when she was leading.
“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” Macci commented on X, underscoring his belief in her abilities. He expressed optimism, believing if her second serve could transform from liability to asset and her forehand became her most potent weapon, the sky's the limit for Gauff.
Despite the frustration surrounding her serve, it’s worth noting when Gauff can get her serve going, she has proven she can take down any player on the tour. Currently ranking third globally, she has notable victories against both world number one Aryna Sabalenka and the second-ranked Iga Swiatek, confirming her capacity to compete with the best.
With aspirations set high, Gauff’s next challenge awaits at the Qatar Open, kicking off February 9. She will enter the tournament as the third seed, receiving an automatic bye to the second round, allowing her to focus on regaining her winning rhythm. Having only played one match at Doha previously, which ended in defeat, Gauff will be eager to change the narrative with success at this tournament.
After the Qatar Open, the action shifts to Dubai for another WTA 1000 event before the hard-court swing concludes with the Miami tournament, all leading up to the clay season. These upcoming matches provide Gauff with ample opportunity to fine-tune her game and, as Macci suggests, work on aspects of her serve to maximize her performance.
Macci remains confident about Gauff’s potential to ascend the WTA rankings quickly as he noted, “Confidence breeds confidence.” His insights suggest Gauff's mental game has shifted positively, allowing her to approach matches with renewed vigor. He mentioned, “She always had [confidence] in her back pocket but now shifted to her front pocket and Coco will launch like a rocket,” hinting at her readiness to make significant advancements.
Evaluated on both her technical capabilities and mental fortitude, Gauff's future seems bright. With her drive and determination, alongside the specifics about her game mechanics outlined by Macci, including the potential to serve at speeds exceeding 130 mph, hopes are high for her to solidify her place at the top.
Macci emphasized the necessity for Gauff to tweak her serving mechanics, reassuring fans and analysts alike by saying, “Coco and her second serve can be fixed in less than one hour.” This signals to the tennis community not just the immediate challenges but the pathways to Gauff’s potential redemption.
With the right adjustments and mental persistence, many within the tennis world believe Coco Gauff could soon not just challenge for titles but redefine her place within the sport entirely. The upcoming tournaments will undoubtedly be telling of her progress and capabilities as she aims to fulfill the great promise she has shown since bursting onto the scene.