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Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Gets Real on 19-Year-Old Coco Gauff as He Makes Giant Prophecy but With a Condition – ‘If She Really Wants to Change..’

Published 06/16/2023, 2:13 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Rick Macci, a highly respected American tennis coach with an illustrious record, recently shared his insights on rising star Coco Gauff and her potential to peak tennis. In an interview on the tennis podcast “Holding Court” hosted by Patrick McEnroe. Macci talked about his belief that he could direct and shape Gauff’s game to propel her to world no. 1

Seven-time USPTA National Coach of the Year, Rick Macci, known for coaching the likes of legendary athletes and former World no. 1s – Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick.

Rick Macci on the Magic of Coco Gauff

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In the podcast, Macci explored the untapped potential of rising tennis sensation Coco Gauff and shared his insights on how he can help her reach the top of her game.

He emphasized her unique skill set, describing her as an “Olympic sprinter with a racquet”, praising his strong backhand and volleying ability but Macci also talked about the need to improve her forearm, which he believes is what it holding Gauff back and ultimately is the key to her success.

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“She’s an Olympic sprinter with a racquet, her backhand is money. she can volley, but the forehand is where it starts to break down.” Macci stated.

Macci’s insights on Coco Gauff’s journey to becoming World No. 1

Macci started with a bold claim, stating, “I could help her get to no. 1 and dominate.” He elaborated, saying, “Coco is gonna win on other things, I want her to win on her forehand. If she really wants to change, she’s not going anywhere, she’s always gonna be top 10 because she can compete and run and she has a backhand, she’s checked enough boxes. But for her ability, if the forehand differs, I think she can be number one.”

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Gauff, just 19 years old, has already made significant waves in the tennis world with her captivating performances and mature demeanor. Her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2019, where she reached the fourth round at the age of 15, marked her as a player to watch. The young American fought through to her way to the quarter-finals of the French Open 2023 only to lose to the current World no. 1, Iga Swiatek – 6-4, 6-2.

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As tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Gauff’s continued growth and development, the prospect of her reaching the pinnacle of the women’s game remains a captivating storyline to follow. With Rick Macci in her corner, Gauff’s journey to greatness takes another intriguing turn, making her a player to watch closely in the years to come.

WATCH THIS STORY | Years After Her Dispiriting Beyonce Memory, 20-Year-Old Coco Gauff Finally Gets Her Fangirl Moment With the American Nightingale in Paris

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Written by:

Ansh Tandon

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Ansh Tandon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. Ansh received his undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has been working in content creation for 2+ years. Before Ansh stepped into sports journalism, he was a professional tennis player, honing his skills in national level tournaments for the past 12 years as an active AITA athlete.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar