Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning World No. 1, has been a dominant force on the WTA Tour, her explosive game drawing comparisons to tennis legend Serena Williams. Yet, following her heart-wrenching loss to Coco Gauff in the 2025 French Open final on June 7, Serena’s childhood coach, Rick Macci, issued a blunt message to the Belarusian star. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Macci praised Sabalenka’s raw power but delivered a stark warning about the mental fortitude required to maintain her dominance. As Sabalenka prepares for the grass season, Macci’s words underscore the challenges she faces in harnessing her potential to cement her legacy as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
The French Open final was a gripping battle, with Gauff overcoming a one-set deficit to win 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in 2 hours and 38 minutes. Sabalenka’s aggressive style, marked by 31 winners, was undone by 70 unforced errors, many exacerbated by windy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier. “She was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow, magically, the ball lands in the court,” Sabalenka said, her frustration evident as she described Gauff’s resilience. “It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was there laughing.” She called the match “the worst final I ever played,” a candid admission that reflected her disappointment after squandering a 4-1 lead in the first set.
Macci, who coached Serena and Venus Williams during their formative years, has long admired Sabalenka’s game, likening her to French legend Mary Pierce for her “tremendous firepower.” In a recent social media post, he doubled down, stating, “Sabalenka has the most explosive and complete firepower on the 3 big ticket items forehand backhand and Serve.” Yet, his praise came with a critical caveat: her mental game is the “wildcard.” “If Sabalenka mentally stays locked loaded and ready to launch every point she could dominate,” he wrote, but warned that controlling her match temperament is the real test. Macci’s message was clear: Sabalenka’s ability to channel her emotions and stay composed under pressure will determine whether she can add to her three Grand Slam titles.
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. Her victories at the Australian Open and Miami Open showcased her as a “triple-surface threat,” as journalist Christopher Clarey once described, comparing her power to Serena’s. However, losses in major finals, including the Australian Open to Madison Keys and now the French Open to Gauff, have exposed vulnerabilities. “I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s trophy or nothing,” Sabalenka said after her Melbourne defeat, a sentiment echoed in Paris. Her emotional post-match reactions—smashing rackets and making sarcastic remarks about her team—have drawn scrutiny, with Serena’s former coach Rennae Stubbs previously criticizing her “passive-aggressive” behavior as “annoying.” Despite fan backlash, with one supporter snapping, “Who asked? Mind your own business,” Sabalenka remains unapologetic, using humor to cope with setbacks.
The Gauff match highlighted Sabalenka’s strengths and weaknesses. Her powerful serve and groundstrokes kept her in contention, but the windy conditions disrupted her rhythm, leading to errors. Gauff, by contrast, adapted with high-margin tennis, her speed and defense turning rallies in her favor. “It was super tough when I walked on the court and felt the wind,” Gauff said, crediting her mental resilience for the win. Sabalenka’s acknowledgment of Gauff’s skill—“I want to congratulate Aryna, you deserve all the results that you have,” Gauff said graciously—showed sportsmanship, but her claim that Iga Swiatek would have beaten Gauff sparked debate. Gauff countered, “I mean, I don’t agree with that. I’m here sitting here [with the trophy].”
As Sabalenka heads to the grass courts, where her 2023 Wimbledon semifinal run showcased her versatility, Macci’s warning looms large. Her 40-7 record in 2025 and No. 1 ranking reflect her dominance, but the mental edge Macci emphasizes is critical. “She has the best flat out pure raw firepower on tour,” he reiterated, predicting “many Grand Slams” if she masters her mindset. With the Qatar Open and Wimbledon on the horizon, Sabalenka has a chance to prove him right. Her ability to move past the “tough losses” she referenced—“there is good wins” after them—will define her legacy. As the tennis world watches, Sabalenka’s journey remains a compelling saga of power, passion, and the pursuit of mental mastery.
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