Rick Macci Offers Candid Advice to Coco Gauff on Transforming Her Serve into a Weapon After China Open Defeat

Coco Gauff Faces Challenges at China Open: Insights from Former Serena Williams Coach
World No. 3 Gauff’s Performance at China Open
Young tennis sensation Coco Gauff was ousted from the China Open semifinals, marking another challenging performance characterized by recurring errors. Facing off against Amanda Anisimova, Gauff struggled to maintain her form, ultimately losing 6-1, 6-2 in a brief 58-minute match. Despite having a 64% first serve success rate, she could only win 39% of those points, indicating issues with her serve’s effectiveness.
Continued Struggles After French Open Glory
Since clinching her second major title at the French Open by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff has encountered several disappointing defeats. The 21-year-old American’s performances have been marred by frequent errors and double faults, which have been particularly pronounced in the latter half of the year. Her path to the China Open semifinals included tough three-set matches against formidable players like Leylah Fernandez and Belinda Bencic, but her service game continued to falter with 23 double faults over four matches.
Rick Macci’s Optimism for Gauff’s Future
Rick Macci, known for coaching tennis legend Serena Williams, expressed optimism about Coco Gauff’s potential. Despite her recent struggles, Macci believes Gauff’s serve can evolve into a formidable weapon. “Coco is a champion,” Macci shared on his social media platform. “She is just 21 years old. Her serve will become a weapon. If she utilizes the upcoming December for training enhancements, focusing on reconstructing her muscle memory and mastering the ATP forehand, she can transition from defense to dictation on the court.”
The Road Ahead for Gauff
As Gauff looks towards future tournaments, it’s clear that work remains in refining her game. Her ability to adapt and grow will be crucial in overcoming recent setbacks and harnessing her talent to achieve further success in the tennis world. With seasoned professionals like Rick Macci in her corner, there is hope she can address these challenges and bolster her play with stronger performances in upcoming matches.