ick Macci, the legendary coach who helped shape Serena Williams into one of the greatest players in tennis history, has weighed in on the inevitable comparisons between Serena and rising American star Coco Gauff. While Macci emphasizes that Serena is in a league of her own, he sees glimpses of greatness in Gauff, predicting she could one day dominate the sport like her idol.
Serena: The Gold Standard
Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 major doubles titles with her sister Venus, and an unmatched reign at World No. 1 for 319 weeks, Serena’s achievements are monumental. Beyond the numbers, Serena and Venus inspired a generation as women of color excelling in a predominantly white sport, overcoming societal and economic barriers.
Even in retirement, Serena’s legacy looms large. Her dominance, charisma, and unmatched power redefined women’s tennis, and she remains the benchmark against which all future champions are measured.
Coco Gauff: The Rising Star
At just 20 years old, Gauff is already carving out her own legacy. The 2023 US Open champion has emerged as the face of the next generation of tennis, dazzling fans with her athleticism, poise, and maturity far beyond her years. Like Serena, Gauff broke through as a teenager, learning to thrive under immense expectations and constant media attention.
Macci recognizes Gauff’s charisma, likening her natural appeal to Serena’s. This star power is one reason Gauff was named the most marketable tennis player in the world by SportsPro. On the court, her speed, anticipation, and ability to counter-punch set her apart, qualities Macci believes could lead her to the World No. 1 ranking.
Macci’s Analysis: Serena vs. Coco
Rick Macci took to social media to share his thoughts on Gauff, highlighting both similarities and differences with Serena.
- Serena’s Unparalleled Package
Macci described Serena as “rare air,” noting her combination of speed, strength, precision, and what he called “the best serve in the history of women’s tennis.” He emphasized that Serena’s dominance is unmatched, a total package that made her nearly invincible in her prime.”Serena was the Total Package OF SPEED, QUICKNESS, SIZE, STRENGTH, CLEAN GROUNDIES, AND THE BEST SERVE IN THE HISTORY OF WOMEN’S TENNIS.” - Gauff’s Unique Strengths
Macci sees Gauff as a master counter-puncher, praising her ability to chase down balls and turn defense into offense. He highlighted her movement and anticipation, which have reached an elite level.“Her make-up speed in and out of the corner is another level. When you make your opponent hit ONE MORE, YOU WON MORE.” - Room for Growth
Despite Gauff’s incredible potential, Macci believes there’s more to unlock, particularly with her second serve. He famously claimed her serve could be transformed “in an hour” with biomechanical adjustments, a testament to how much upside remains in her game.
A Long Road Ahead
While Gauff’s talent and trajectory are undeniable, matching Serena’s legacy is a daunting task. Serena not only dominated for decades but also shaped the cultural and historical narrative of tennis. Gauff must contend with fierce competitors like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, who are at the peak of their powers.
However, Gauff’s mental resilience, combined with her physical gifts and marketability, makes her a formidable contender. As Macci points out, she has the tools and time to become a legend in her own right.
The Verdict: A New Star, a Familiar Path
Coco Gauff may not be the “next Serena,” but she doesn’t need to be. She is carving out her own path, one defined by grit, grace, and growth. While Serena’s shadow will always loom large, Gauff’s journey is uniquely hers—and it’s only just beginning.