‘Serena Is Out the Door’- Rick Macci Voices His Firm Belief in Coco Gauff as the Young American’s ‘Gold Nugget’ Proved Vital in Us Open Success

Coco Gauff turned around her season when the American hard court season rolled around in August. She won the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open, which took her to a new level. Watching her astounding victories, the former coach of Serena Williams, Rick Macci, talked about how everyone doubted her. And despite that, as Macci observed, she came out on top after a dominant performance. 

Rick Macci had lauded Coco Gauff many times, even before she improved. Her season was not up to par before the tournament in Cincinnati, which caused many tennis personalities to doubt her. However, Macci saw what the rest couldn’t, and his prophecy came true.

Serena Williams’ childhood coach believed in Coco Gauff at the US Open

Rick Macci appeared in a recent edition of the ‘Love Means Nothing’ podcast, where he talked about his early coaching career, his friendship with Richard Williams and his approach to coaching different individuals. He also talked about the pressure that players face. Macci went on to use Coco Gauff as an example, expanding on her greatness. Macci especially mentioned her first round-bout in the US Open against Laura Siegemund.

Rick Macci said, “Coco almost lost first round at the (US) Open, that Houdini escaped 6-4 and a third against that girl who was like the butcher, slicing and dicing and hacking. And everybody started to hate right then and there, and I came out and said, “Listen, that’s a gold nugget in her pocket. The rest of her life. Ashe Stadium, seven o’clock, celebrating Billie Jean King equal pay. She’s the chosen one. Serena is out the door.” And she found a way to win. Now that usually makes people think, “Yeah, but she’s playing bad”. So here we are. She’s the US Open champion.”Macci is absolutely clear about his thoughts, and he feels that the road to success for Coco Gauff is equally clear. 

Rick Macci and his constant support for Coco Gauff is an old story. He was there even before she won her first Masters and slam. He was there before she began her stint in the US Open. The legendary coach was mind-boggled over her unlimited potential.

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Rick Macci on the potential of Coco Gauff

When the 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams retired from the sport, many believed American players would not be at the top anymore. However, Coco Gauff proved them wrong rather quickly. Despite a terrible start to 2023, Gauff won three tournaments in the US, which showed that the throne would not be empty for long. Macci saw the potential in the 19-year-old even when she had nothing.

He shared a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) where he said that he loves nineteen things about Coco Gauff as she was preparing for the US Open. Macci’s constant exaltation of the player proved to be fruitful, as she is now performing at a higher level than anyone expected before. 

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