"Coco Gauff is the best pure athlete" - Serena Williams' ex-coach makes his feelings known on the American's future

Coco Gauff was lauded by Serena Williams' former coach, Rick Macci, on the back of her spectacular win over Leylah Fernandez at the 2025 Australian Open. Macci took to X to reflect upon Gauff's career so far. He highlighted her hard work and resilience that has helped get her to this stage at such a young age.

The seven-time USPTA national coach of the year has always been very vocal of his support towards Gauff. He had predicted last year that the 20-year-old would win multiple Gand Slams and the World No. 1 ranking if she kept up her current form and mentality.

Macci also heaped praise on Gauff following her win against compatriot Sofia Kenin in the first round of the Australian Open 2025 by writing:

"Already an world class sprinter with a racquet and now with extreme confidence and making the right Decision Coco is locked in with TUNNEL VISION."

The American has enjoyed quite the start to 2025, beginning with winning the United Cup triumph with Team USA. She also won the MVP award at the tournament. Now at the Australian Open, Gauff has yet to drop a set across her first three matches.

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Coco Gauff gets advised on how to deal with pressure by the former coach of Serena Williams

Coco Gauff photographed with the 2025 United Cup trophy in Australia - Source: Getty

The tennis veteran and ex-coach of the Williams sisters, Rick Macci, imparted his wisdom on Coco Gauff ahead of the Australian Open 2025. He advised her to keep a check on her expectations and maintain a fine balance between pressure and confidence.

He tagged the American tennis star on X, writing:

"Confidence breeds confidence. She always had that in her Back pocket but now shifted to her Front Pocket and Coco will launch like a Rocket. Number one around the corner."

A staunch supporter of the young tennis player, Macci thinks that this is just the beginning of the "Coco show" and a lot more is yet to come.

Gauff is already through to the fourth round of the Australian Open 2025. She is now set to face the Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, who advanced to the next round after Naomi Osaka was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Having made the semifinals of the Australian Open last year, Gauff will have her sights set on making another deep run at the tournament this year, and possibly winning the second Grand Slam of her still fledgling career.