Coco Gauff’s remarkable ascent in the world of women’s tennis has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, including Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci. The celebrated coach, who played a pivotal role in shaping the early careers of both Venus and Serena Williams, recently shared his thoughts on Gauff’s potential, identifying specific areas where he believes the 20-year-old American is already “number one.” Macci’s confidence in Gauff’s ability to reach the pinnacle of women’s tennis is not unfounded, as she has rapidly climbed the ranks and solidified herself as one of the most promising talents on the WTA Tour.
### **Coco Gauff’s Meteoric Rise in the WTA Rankings**
Gauff’s crowning achievement so far came at the 2023 US Open, where she clinched her maiden Grand Slam title, a triumph that immediately propelled her into the global spotlight. That victory didn’t just earn her the trophy; it also catapulted her to the top of American women’s tennis, as she reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world. By June 2024, she hit another milestone by climbing to No. 2, becoming the highest-ranked American female player since Serena Williams in her prime.
Currently, Gauff is holding strong at the No. 3 position. The top two spots are occupied by Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Poland’s Iga Swiatek. The competition is fierce at the top, with Sabalenka boasting 9,706 ranking points and Swiatek not far behind at 9,665. Despite Gauff’s 5,963 points creating a significant gap between her and the top two, Rick Macci believes it’s only a matter of time before she narrows the divide and eventually claims the No. 1 ranking.
### **Rick Macci’s Insight on What Makes Gauff Special**
Rick Macci, who has coached some of the greatest names in tennis history, recently took to social media to express his admiration for Gauff’s unique qualities. In his analysis, he highlighted several aspects of her game where she outshines her competitors. “Her overall quickness is number one. Her make-up speed is number one. Her backbone is number one. Her slice serve on the deuce court is number one,” Macci wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. His assertion that Gauff will soon reach the top of the rankings underscores his confidence in her physical abilities, mental toughness, and technical skills.
Gauff’s exceptional agility and lightning-fast speed have been pivotal in her success, allowing her to chase down shots that many players would simply give up on. Her defensive skills, combined with an aggressive baseline game, have made her a formidable opponent. Macci’s mention of her “make-up speed” points to her ability to recover quickly from difficult positions, turning defense into offense with surprising efficiency. Additionally, her backbone—her mental and emotional resilience—has been a standout trait, especially considering the pressure she has faced as a teenage prodigy turned Grand Slam champion.
### **Gauff’s Aspirations: More Than Just Top 10**
One thing that sets Gauff apart from many other young stars is her clarity of purpose and ambition. She has never been content with simply being among the top players in the world. In an interview from May 2023, Gauff made it clear that she has her sights set on the ultimate prize. “The goal isn’t to be top-10 forever. The goal is to be No. 1 and win Grand Slams,” she stated. This unambiguous ambition has been the driving force behind her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Since her breakout performance at Wimbledon in 2019, where she famously defeated Venus Williams as a 15-year-old qualifier, Gauff’s career trajectory has been marked by steady progress. Each season, she has not only improved her ranking but also diversified her game, addressing weaknesses and building on strengths. Her impressive run in 2023, culminating in her US Open victory, demonstrated her ability to thrive under pressure and take on the best in the sport.
### **The Road to Riyadh and the 2025 Season**
Gauff’s recent performances have only added to the anticipation surrounding her potential rise to No. 1. With strong showings in Beijing and a semifinal appearance in Wuhan, she enters the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a wave of momentum. The WTA Finals, which brings together the top eight players of the season, is a stage set for drama and high stakes, and a victory there could be a significant boost for Gauff’s ranking and confidence.
If she performs well and manages to capture the prestigious year-end title, Gauff could significantly close the ranking gap between her and the current leaders, Sabalenka and Swiatek. A successful run in Riyadh would also give her a substantial points advantage heading into the 2025 season, further fueling speculation about her potential to end that season as the top-ranked player in the world.
### **What Lies Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities**
While Rick Macci’s glowing assessment of Gauff’s skills is certainly encouraging, the journey to becoming World No. 1 is fraught with challenges. The competition in women’s tennis is deeper than ever, with a crop of talented and determined players constantly pushing the boundaries. Aryna Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and Iga Swiatek’s all-court mastery make them formidable foes, and Gauff will need to consistently perform at her highest level to surpass them.
However, if Gauff’s recent trajectory is any indication, she is not only ready for the challenge but is thriving on it. Her evolution from a raw, talented teenager to a composed and confident contender has been a testament to her work ethic, coaching, and innate talent. Her ability to learn from setbacks and continually refine her game suggests that the best is yet to come. With a strong team behind her, led by her family and a coaching staff that understands her strengths and potential, Gauff is well-positioned to continue her ascent.
### **Conclusion: A Future World No. 1?**
In the unpredictable world of tennis, nothing is guaranteed, but Coco Gauff’s trajectory indicates that she has all the tools necessary to become the next American World No. 1. Rick Macci’s endorsement adds weight to the growing chorus of voices that believe in her potential. With her unique combination of speed, resilience, and a fierce competitive spirit, Gauff is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport. As she heads into the WTA Finals and beyond, the tennis world watches with anticipation, knowing that the dawn of a new era may be just around the corner, led by a young star who seems destined for greatness.