Coco Gauff Tipped for Australian Open Glory as Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Praises Major Breakthrough in Her Game
Coco Gauff, one of the brightest young stars in tennis, is being widely tipped for success at the 2024 Australian Open after making significant strides in her game, according to Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci. With her impressive development over the past season, culminating in her first Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open, Gauff has proven herself capable of competing with the very best in the world. Now, experts believe she is well-positioned to make another deep run and claim her second major title.
Rick Macci, the renowned coach who played a key role in the early careers of legends like Serena Williams and Venus Williams, has spoken highly of Gauff’s evolution as a player. In a recent interview, Macci praised the young American for addressing key areas of her game that previously held her back. With those improvements, he believes Gauff has not only the confidence but also the technical tools to dominate on the hard courts in Melbourne.
Gauff’s Breakthrough Year: A Look Back
At just 20 years old, Gauff already boasts an impressive resume. However, for much of her young career, there were persistent questions about whether she could make the leap from a talented prospect to a Grand Slam champion. Those doubts were emphatically silenced at the 2023 US Open, where Gauff showcased her grit, composure, and improved shot-making to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the final and lift her first major trophy.
The victory in New York was more than just a personal milestone—it was a statement to the tennis world. Gauff demonstrated an ability to handle the immense pressure of playing in front of a home crowd, something that has overwhelmed other players in the past. Her mental toughness, combined with her athleticism and defensive skills, enabled her to outlast some of the sport’s biggest hitters.
Macci believes that Gauff’s success at the US Open was a turning point in her career. “Winning that first Grand Slam is the hardest thing to do because there’s so much expectation,” Macci said. “But now that Coco has proven she can win on the biggest stage, the sky’s the limit for her. She’s got that confidence, and you can see it in how she carries herself on the court.”
Addressing Weaknesses: The Key to Gauff’s Improvement
One of the most notable improvements in Gauff’s game has been her forehand, which many pundits and analysts had previously identified as a weakness. In the past, opponents often targeted Gauff’s forehand under pressure, knowing it could break down during long rallies. However, under the guidance of her coaching team—most notably Brad Gilbert—Gauff has worked tirelessly to add more consistency and aggression to that shot.
Macci highlighted this technical improvement as a major factor in Gauff’s recent success. “Coco’s forehand was always the question mark, but she’s turned it into a weapon. She’s hitting it with more spin, more control, and she’s not afraid to step into the court and take the ball early. That changes everything because now opponents can’t just pick on her forehand anymore.”
The addition of Gilbert to Gauff’s coaching setup has also had a transformative impact. Known for his strategic brilliance, Gilbert has helped simplify Gauff’s game plan, encouraging her to play to her strengths—her incredible court coverage, intelligent shot selection, and relentless defensive abilities. This combination of tactical awareness and technical refinement has made Gauff a far more complete player.
Why the Australian Open Suits Gauff
The Australian Open has long been considered one of the most physically demanding tournaments on the tennis calendar, thanks to its scorching summer heat and intense hard-court conditions. For Gauff, these factors could work to her advantage. Her elite fitness, speed, and endurance allow her to thrive in grueling matches, wearing down opponents who struggle to match her consistency.
Macci believes Gauff’s physical and mental attributes make her a prime contender in Melbourne. “The Australian Open is all about survival. You’ve got to be strong mentally and physically to go deep in that tournament. Coco has both of those qualities in abundance. She’s one of the best athletes on the tour, and her ability to chase down balls and force opponents to hit one extra shot is incredible.”
Additionally, the hard courts in Melbourne play to Gauff’s strengths. While she has shown promise on other surfaces, her most consistent success has come on hard courts, where her movement and shot-making are at their most effective.
Competition in Melbourne: Can Gauff Overcome the Top Contenders?
Of course, Gauff’s path to a second Grand Slam title will not be without challenges. The likes of Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina are all expected to be strong contenders in Melbourne. Świątek, in particular, remains a formidable opponent with her relentless baseline game and mental toughness. The Polish star has already defeated Gauff in several high-profile matches, including on hard courts.
However, Gauff’s growing confidence and improved game give her a real chance to challenge these top players. Macci believes the mental edge she gained from winning the US Open will make a huge difference in tight matches. “Once you win a Grand Slam, you start believing you can beat anyone, anytime. Coco now has that belief. She’s not intimidated by anyone, and she knows she can compete with the best.”
What’s Next for Gauff?
As Gauff prepares for the Australian Open, her focus will be on building momentum through the early rounds and managing the expectations that come with being a Grand Slam champion. Her team has worked hard to ensure she remains grounded and continues to improve her game, rather than becoming complacent after her breakthrough success.
For Macci, Gauff’s future is incredibly bright. “Coco is still so young, and she’s only going to get better. Her game has evolved a lot over the past year, and I think she’s just scratching the surface of what she can achieve. Winning the US Open was just the beginning. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see her holding the Australian Open trophy in January.”
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s rise to the top of women’s tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her breakthrough at the 2023 US Open has cemented her status as one of the sport’s most exciting talents. With Rick Macci and other experts tipping her for success at the 2024 Australian Open, all eyes will be on the young American as she looks to add another major title to her growing list of accomplishments. If she continues to build on the improvements she’s made in her game, there’s no telling how far she can go.