**American tennis star Coco Gauff continues to draw attention and accolades, as legendary coach Rick Macci confidently predicts that she will eventually become World No. 1. Currently ranked No. 3 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, Gauff’s rise in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable, with her recent accomplishments and undeniable talent signaling a promising future.
### **A Rapid Climb Up the Rankings**
At just 20 years old, Gauff has already cemented herself as one of the brightest young stars in women’s tennis. This year alone, she has reached new heights, with the WTA rankings reflecting her growing prowess on the court. Gauff climbed to a career-high No. 2 earlier in 2024 after an impressive run at the French Open. Although a dip in form at the US Open saw her drop to No. 6, she quickly recovered and is currently positioned at No. 3, trailing only top competitors Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
The year 2024 has seen Gauff rack up significant achievements, solidifying her status as a major contender on the global stage. Her victory at the 2023 US Open—her maiden Grand Slam title—remains a highlight, while her most recent win at the China Open earlier this month has only added to her growing list of accolades. With eight career singles titles to her name, Gauff’s trajectory suggests that a future No. 1 ranking is well within reach.
### **Macci’s Confidence in Gauff’s Potential**
Rick Macci, who famously coached tennis legends like Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick, has been vocal about his belief in Gauff’s potential. In a recent post on social media, Macci highlighted the American’s strengths, declaring that she is already “number one” in several crucial aspects of the game.
“Her overall quickness is number one,” Macci wrote on Twitter/X. “Her make-up speed is number one. Her backbone is number one. Her slice serve on the deuce court is number one. Coming soon to a court near you—Coco Gauff will be number one.”
Macci’s endorsement carries significant weight, as he has a history of working with some of the sport’s greatest talents. His emphasis on Gauff’s mental and physical strengths—especially her speed and competitive spirit—speaks to qualities that are often crucial for sustained success at the top level of tennis.
### **A Year of Highs and Lows**
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Gauff, featuring both notable successes and challenges. Her win at the China Open was particularly meaningful, as it was her second WTA 1000 title. Earlier in the year, she claimed the Auckland International title in January, setting a strong tone for the season.
At the Grand Slam tournaments, Gauff displayed remarkable consistency, reaching the semi-finals at both the Australian and French Opens. She also managed to reach the fourth round at both Wimbledon and the US Open, a feat matched by only one other player this year. These performances underscore her ability to compete at the highest level across all surfaces, a critical factor for any player aspiring to be No. 1.
However, the year hasn’t been without its difficulties. Gauff’s forehand and serve have been points of contention, particularly during the second half of the season. After a solid showing at the Berlin Open, where she reached the semi-finals, Gauff struggled to find her form in the following tournaments. This slump led to a split with her former coach, Brad Gilbert, ending a 14-month partnership.
Despite these challenges, Gauff’s resilience shone through. She bounced back to win the Beijing title after starting a new partnership with coach Matt Daly. Nevertheless, inconsistency remains a concern; her semi-final loss to Sabalenka at the Wuhan Open was marred by 21 double faults, a statistic that highlights the lingering issues with her serve.
### **Looking Ahead to the WTA Finals**
As 2024 draws to a close, Gauff’s focus has shifted to the WTA Finals, set to take place in Riyadh. This will be her third consecutive appearance at the prestigious year-end tournament, which brings together the top eight players in the WTA rankings. Gauff’s current position of No. 3 in the WTA Race to Riyadh indicates that she has once again secured a spot among the elite, despite a season of ups and downs.
The WTA Finals will provide Gauff with another opportunity to showcase her skills against the very best. A strong performance in Riyadh could set the tone for an even more dominant 2025 season, potentially bringing her closer to that elusive No. 1 ranking.
### **Addressing the Criticisms**
While Gauff’s game has many strengths, it has also drawn its share of scrutiny. Critics have frequently pointed to her forehand as a weakness, suggesting that it lacks the power and consistency needed to dominate at the highest level. Her serve has also come under fire, particularly during key moments in matches. Double faults and a lack of precision have cost her in several tournaments, making this an area for potential improvement.
However, Macci’s assessment suggests that these criticisms may be overblown, given Gauff’s other strengths. Her quickness on the court, for example, allows her to recover from difficult positions, and her tactical intelligence often compensates for any technical shortcomings. These attributes, combined with her mental toughness, make her a formidable opponent, even on her off days.
### **A Star on the Rise**
As she prepares for the WTA Finals and looks forward to the 2025 season, Coco Gauff remains a player to watch. Her journey to the top of the rankings seems inevitable to many, especially given her rapid development, competitive mindset, and already impressive resume. Gauff’s story is still in its early chapters, but if her past performances are any indication, there is much more to come.
Rick Macci’s prediction that Gauff will be World No. 1 may not be far off the mark. With her combination of athleticism, determination, and the backing of influential voices in the tennis world, Coco Gauff’s star is only set to rise higher in the years ahead. Whether or not she claims the top spot in the immediate future, Gauff’s current position among the top three players in the world suggests that her impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.