Tennis fans are still reeling from an incredible season of jaw-dropping matches and off-court surprises, but the buzz for the upcoming year is already reaching a fever pitch. As players sharpen their skills for 2025, the chatter around potential rivalries and standout performers is growing louder—and Rick Macci, Serena and Venus Williams’ legendary former coach is stirring the pot in the most intriguing way. Macci has issued a rather intriguing warning for former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. His caution? Watch out for the unstoppable force that is Coco Gauff.

The Polish tennis sensation winded up her year after playing some remarkable tennis at the Billie Jean King Cup. Coming back onto the courts from an extended hiatus after the US Open, Swiatek faced some challenges at the WTA Finals and could not defend her title. However, she exuded immense talent at the BJK Cup finals, but unfortunately, failed to lead her team to victory. And now, as she prepares to come back stronger the next season, Macci is seemingly making her cautious of Gauff’s prowess. 

Taking to X, the 70-year-old made his thoughts clear about the next year. While he acknowledged Swiatek’s dominance on the courts, he did not fail to highlight that she might face challenges. “Mentally day in and day nothing beats Proven and IGA is the leader in the WTA clubhouse in that area. But 2025 will see a shift as others have improved mentally and they Believe and when you Believe you will Achieve. @CocoGauff,” he wrote. And interestingly, his statements cannot be ignored either. 

Coco Gauff’s year did not unfold quite spectacularly in the beginning with Gauff winning the only title at the ASB Classic. However, she ensured to make a comeback and wrapped her year with a triumph in the China Open and then in the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she ousted top forces like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to prove her mettle. She also emerged victorious in 54 of the 71 matches she played thereby proving that she is slowly making a dominant comeback. This, meanwhile, is not the first time when Gauff has been lauded in such a manner by Macci. 

Recently, in a viral video clip on Instagram, Macci was seen sharing his thoughts on Coco Gauff. “I have to mention Coco Gauff, the Olympic sprinter with a racquet in her hand. Her backbone is just as good as her backhand.” While he also highlighted some challenges that Gauff has faced, he predicted that she can go a long way on the circuit. “Forehand is a little bit dodgy at times. Second serve is dodgy but she’s such a great competitor and what I love about Coco- she’s 20 years old! People think she’s been there for a long time, you know and she’s already top 3,4 in the world. So, she’s not going anywhere. She’s gonna be there for a long time,” he added. And it is probably due to such statements and the remarkable comeback that Gauff demonstrated this year, that other experts of the game are also making similar remarks. 

Coco Gauff anticipated to have a “massive year” in 2025

Coco Gauff indeed witnessed some challenges but her determined efforts resulted in some remarkable achievements. She has always dazzled the courts with her grit and determination and it is for this reason that the admiration for her from the tennis community is immense. Joining the fray of experts believing in Gauff’s skills is none other than the 2003 US Open Champion Andy Roddick.

Expressing his support for Gauff, Roddick said, “She’s going to sleep a lot better this off-season, and her steps are going to be a little bit lighter when she goes into problem-solving. There’s not as much scar tissue from 2024, she’s almost deleted all of it, and I think she’s prepped for a massive year next year.” However, when it comes to Gauff herself, she does not wish to set unrealistic goals and wants to focus on improvements.

“I’ve never been a person who thinks about the ranking. I only want the Slams, but yes, I know I have this possibility. But honestly, I don’t think about the number 1 of the WTA ranking,” Gauff said earlier. For now, it would be interesting to see how the support that Gauff is witnessing will help her in the next season. Can she win more Slams in 2025? Well, that remains to be seen.