As the clay courts of Rome begin to stir with energy, one rising star is once again under the spotlight—Coco Gauff, America’s tennis sensation and Grand Slam champion. With the Italian Open just days away, expectations are high for the 20-year-old phenom. But while fans are buzzing with excitement, a recent comment from Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, has sparked a wave of concern and curiosity.
According to Macci, there’s still one major flaw in Gauff’s game that could derail her momentum, especially on a surface as demanding as clay. The timing of the observation couldn’t be more critical. The Italian Open serves as a key stop before Roland Garros, where Gauff hopes to finally conquer the red dirt.
So what exactly is this flaw? And should fans be worried—or is this just part of Coco’s evolving greatness?
Let’s dig deeper.
🎾 Coco Gauff: America’s New Tennis Standard
Before we dive into the concern, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate just how far Coco Gauff has come. From that unforgettable win over Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 to lifting the 2023 US Open trophy, Gauff’s trajectory has been nothing short of breathtaking.
With a charismatic blend of power, athleticism, and poise, Coco embodies the next generation of tennis. She’s fast becoming a cultural icon, balancing a growing brand with unmatched composure on court.
But greatness is never perfect. And even the best need refinement.
🧠 Rick Macci’s Warning: “The Forehand Is Still a Liability”
Rick Macci, the renowned coach who helped shape the careers of both Serena and Venus Williams, recently shared his thoughts on Coco’s game during a media appearance. While praising Gauff’s mental toughness and speed, Macci didn’t shy away from pointing out a concern that’s been echoed by analysts for years:
“The forehand still breaks down under pressure,” Macci said. “It’s improved, no doubt, but when you face the Igas, the Sabalenkas, or the Swiateks on clay—if your forehand isn’t rock solid, they’ll find it and break you down.”
For fans who have followed Gauff’s journey closely, this isn’t entirely new. Her forehand has long been scrutinized for its grip, mechanics, and timing, especially when compared to her world-class backhand.
What’s changed is the urgency of that flaw—because Gauff isn’t just competing now. She’s contending.
💥 The Italian Open Test: Pressure Meets Clay
The Italian Open is no ordinary tournament. Rome is a proving ground—both technically and emotionally—for players preparing for the French Open. And clay is a surface that magnifies weaknesses.
Top players know how to target flaws and exploit them ruthlessly. If Coco’s forehand remains a step behind, her rivals will zero in. And with names like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina likely to cross her path, Gauff’s shot tolerance and composure will be tested to their limits.
Macci’s concern isn’t panic. It’s a professional observation rooted in high standards. Serena had to tweak her serve. Federer had to rework his backhand. Gauff, too, may need that last piece of technical polish to reach true dominance.
🔍 A Technical Look: Why the Forehand Is Under Fire
So, what exactly is wrong with the Gauff forehand?
Tennis analysts point to a few recurring issues:
- Extreme grip: Gauff’s grip on the forehand leans semi-western to western, which can make low balls tricky and limit fluid motion on fast surfaces.
- Takeback and timing: Her loop is somewhat elongated, which occasionally disrupts timing, especially against flatter hitters.
- Under pressure: When opponents engage in deep crosscourt rallies and push Gauff wide, her forehand can lose depth or become short—giving aggressive baseliners a chance to pounce.
Despite all this, there’s a silver lining: Gauff knows this—and is working on it. She’s made major strides since 2022, but Macci’s concern highlights the fact that in tennis, improvement must be relentless.
🗣️ What Gauff Has Said Herself
Coco has never shied away from self-reflection. After matches, she often addresses her game with refreshing honesty.
After her loss to Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart last month, she remarked:
“Iga exposed some things, and I know what I need to tighten up. I have to play cleaner, especially on the forehand side. That’s on me.”
That kind of accountability is rare for a 20-year-old. It also reveals something more important than technique—Gauff’s mindset.
She’s not afraid to confront flaws head-on. And that may be her greatest strength.
🏋🏽♀️ Will Rome Be a Redemption or a Reminder?
Rome will serve as the ultimate dress rehearsal for Gauff’s clay campaign.
She’s already shown she can win on hard courts, even against the most physical and aggressive opponents. But clay demands rhythm, angles, endurance, and surgical consistency.
Her draw in Rome could very well match her up with Iga Swiatek again—or even rising threats like Mirra Andreeva or the ever-steady Ons Jabeur. Each potential matchup is a mirror for Gauff’s development, particularly that exposed forehand flaw.
A deep run in Rome wouldn’t just silence critics. It would send a message—Coco is ready, and she’s still evolving.
💬 Social Media Buzz: Fans React to Macci’s Comments
Rick Macci’s remarks quickly made waves online. Some fans backed his analysis, while others defended Gauff passionately:
@TennisTribeUSA: “Macci’s not wrong. The forehand gets shaky. But let’s not forget—Coco is still 20 and already a major winner. She’ll fix it.”
@ClayQueen77: “Enough with the forehand talk. She’s a Grand Slam champ, Top 3 in the world. Let her grow.”
@CoachMikeR: “If Serena had Macci to push her, maybe Gauff needs the same. Honest feedback is how champions are made.”
The debate isn’t about doubting Gauff—it’s about believing she can be even better.
✨ The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Gauff’s Legacy
Serena Williams didn’t win her 23 Grand Slams by settling for “good enough.” Federer didn’t become beloved by resisting change. All champions embrace evolution.
Coco Gauff is still in the early chapters of what could be a storied career. And while criticism—especially from a name like Macci—can sting, it also signals something important:
She matters. She’s a contender. She’s no longer the future—she’s the now.
🔮 Final Serve: A Flaw Today, A Weapon Tomorrow?
As the Italian Open looms, Coco Gauff faces more than just her opponents. She faces the ever-shifting expectations that come with fame, legacy, and greatness.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s this: Never count Coco out.
Flaws are part of every champion’s journey. Whether it’s a shaky serve, a wobbly forehand, or a rough stretch of form—what defines greatness is how you respond.
So, as Coco steps onto the clay courts of Rome, fans will watch closely. Not just to see if she wins, but to see how she adapts, fights, and grows.
Because one day, we may look back and realize:
That flaw? It wasn’t a weakness.
It was the beginning of her becoming unstoppable.
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