‘Coco Gauff will be No 1′ claims Serena Williams’ ex-coach in glowing verdict

Coco Gauff “will be number One” in the world at one point in her career, according to legendary tennis coach Rick Macci.

The American is currently ranked world No 3, with only Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek ahead of her in the official WTA Rankings.

Gauff reached a high of second earlier this year following the French Open and, after dropping down to sixth following her US Open exit, has surged back up inside the top five.

Despite being only 20, the American has won eight career singles titles overall –

Despite being only 20, the American has won eight career singles titles overall – including the 2023 US Open title, and her most recent victory at the China Open earlier this month.

And, despite attention largely being placed on vulnerabilities in her game within recent months, Macci believes that the US star is already “number One” in a few key areas.

Posting on Twitter/X, the former coach of Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick among others, backed the 20-year-old to one day top the WTA Rankings.

He wrote: “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. Coming soon to a court near you Coco Gauff will be number One.

Gauff is set to play just once more in 2024, with the American set to make her third straight appearance at the WTA Finals, which will be held in Riyadh this year.

Gauff was also a semi-finalist at the Australian and French Opens earlier in the year while reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and in New York – making her one of just two players to reach the second week at every major.

Despite a largely consistent year, her forehand

Despite a largely consistent year, her forehand and, in particular, her serve have proven an issue in 2024, particularly during the latter stages of the season.

After reaching the last four of the Berlin Open she failed to make the last eight of her next five tournaments, a run that saw her split with Brad Gilbert following a 14-month partnership.

Gauff triumphed in Beijing following the start of her partnership with new coach Matt Daly but then hit 21 double faults in a semi-final loss to Sabalenka at the Wuhan Open.