In the ever-shifting landscape of women’s tennis, where young stars rise and veterans leave indelible legacies, a bold opinion has emerged from a voice steeped in the sport’s history. The former coach of Serena Williams, a man who once guided the 23-time Grand Slam champion to greatness, has sparked a conversation that’s reverberating through the WTA ranks. As of April 1, 2025, Coco Gauff holds the mantle of America’s top-ranked female tennis player, sitting at No. 3 in the world. But this seasoned mentor believes another player deserves that coveted title of the nation’s best—a player whose grit, guile, and granite-like resolve have quietly outshone the spotlight often cast on Gauff.
The coach in question is none other than Rick Macci, a name synonymous with nurturing champions. Having shaped the early careers of both Serena and Venus Williams, as well as other luminaries like Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, Macci’s eye for talent is undisputed. His pick? Jessica Pegula, the 31-year-old powerhouse from Buffalo, New York, currently ranked No. 6 globally. “Age 31, the Buffalo Blaster is really the American Master ranked number 3 on the Planet because her mind and strokes are like granite,” Macci proclaimed with his trademark flair. He sees in Pegula a player whose mental toughness and tactical savvy set her apart, even from Gauff, who’s been hailed as the heir to the Williams sisters’ legacy since her teenage breakthrough.
Pegula’s case is compelling. She’s not just a singles standout—where she’s climbed as high as No. 3—but a former world No. 1 in doubles, a testament to her versatility and court IQ. “Has been ranked number 1 doubles and understanding of the court gives others troubles,” Macci noted, emphasizing how her doubles prowess translates into a singles game that’s both cerebral and punishing. This year alone, Pegula reached the Miami Open final and clinched a WTA 250 title in Austin, proving she can go toe-to-toe with the tour’s elite. Meanwhile, Gauff, at 21, has seen her form waver. Despite her undeniable talent—a US Open title in 2023 and a WTA Finals crown in 2024—her 2025 season has been a mixed bag, with only the United Cup team victory standing out amidst a string of early exits.
Macci’s argument hinges on more than just rankings. “Not where you start, it’s where you finish,” he insisted, suggesting Pegula’s late-career surge outshines Gauff’s youthful promise. Gauff sits just 267 points ahead of Pegula in the WTA standings, a razor-thin margin that underscores how close the race for American supremacy has become. Yet, in the race to the WTA Finals—a barometer of current form—Gauff languishes at 11th overall and fifth among Americans, trailing not only Pegula but also Madison Keys, who won the Australian Open this year. Pegula, by contrast, sits second among her countrywomen, her consistency a stark counterpoint to Gauff’s struggles.
Gauff’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. At 15, she stunned the tennis world by beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon, and her 2023 US Open triumph made her the first American teen to win there since Serena in 1999. Her athleticism—blazing speed and a backhand that’s among the tour’s best—has drawn comparisons to her idols. Yet, her second serve remains a glaring liability, and her forehand has faltered under pressure, as seen in her 21-double-fault meltdown against Aryna Sabalenka in Wuhan last fall. “She’s a fighter,” Macci has said of Gauff in the past, but he now seems to believe Pegula’s steadiness trumps Gauff’s flash.
Pegula, meanwhile, embodies resilience. The daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner Terry Pegula, she’s defied expectations of privilege with a work ethic that’s propelled her into the top tier. Her Miami run—beating top players before falling to Iga Swiatek—showcased a player who thrives in the grind. “She’s not flashy, but she’s rock-solid,” one might imagine Macci saying, his words echoing the sentiment of a coach who values substance over style. At 31, Pegula is peaking, her game a blend of power and precision that’s tough to crack.
The debate Macci has ignited isn’t just about numbers—it’s about narrative. Gauff represents the future, a torchbearer for a new generation inspired by the Williams sisters. Pegula, though, is the present, a veteran proving that experience and resolve can rival raw talent. As the clay season beckons, with Gauff set to kick off in Stuttgart and Pegula eyeing her own path, the question lingers: who truly deserves to be America’s No. 1? For Macci, the answer is clear—Pegula’s time is now. But in a sport where fortunes shift with every serve, Gauff’s story is far from finished. The court, as always, will have the final say.
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