After Coco Gauff’s split with coach Brad Gilbert, the tennis world has been buzzing with speculation about who might take the helm as her new coach. Under Gilbert’s guidance, Gauff clinched her first Grand Slam title at the 2024 U.S.
Open, marking a pivotal moment in her young career. Now, as she seeks a new direction and fresh insights, here are five potential coaches she could consider, including the iconic Rick Macci, who once played a significant role in shaping Serena Williams’ early success.
### 1. **Rick Macci – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach**
Rick Macci holds a legendary status in the world of tennis coaching. He was pivotal in the early development of Venus and Serena Williams, helping to mold their techniques and mindset during their formative years.
Known for his dynamic and motivational coaching style, Macci could be a perfect fit for Gauff as she continues to evolve her game.
Macci’s ability to bring out the best in young players has been proven time and time again. His work with the Williams sisters, who went on to dominate the sport, demonstrates his talent in identifying potential and nurturing it to greatness.
For Gauff, who is still in the early stages of her career, Macci could help her sharpen her technical skills and maintain her mental toughness. His expertise in developing strong baseline play, powerful serves, and an aggressive mindset would complement Gauff’s already athletic and explosive game.
Another factor that makes Macci a great candidate is his understanding of the pressures faced by young, talented players.
Gauff has often been compared to the Williams sisters due to her early success, and Macci, having navigated similar circumstances with them, could provide her with valuable insights into managing expectations and maintaining longevity at the highest level.
### 2. **Patrick Mouratoglou – Former Coach of Serena Williams**
Another high-profile coach Gauff might consider is Patrick Mouratoglou, who famously coached Serena Williams for nearly a decade, guiding her to multiple Grand Slam victories.
Mouratoglou has built a reputation as one of the most tactical and forward-thinking coaches in modern tennis, often blending traditional training with modern technology to help his players maximize their performance.
Mouratoglou’s experience working with a dominant player like Williams could benefit Gauff as she seeks to solidify her position as a top player on the WTA Tour.
He excels at analyzing opponents and crafting specific game plans, a skill that could help Gauff in tight matches against elite competition.
Gauff has shown glimpses of brilliance but could benefit from a coach who can refine her strategy, particularly in managing the flow of matches and keeping unforced errors in check.
In addition to his work with Serena, Mouratoglou has shown a strong interest in mentoring the next generation of tennis stars.
He has worked with several young players at his academy, which focuses on helping them develop both the technical and mental aspects of their games.
This holistic approach might resonate with Gauff, who has already demonstrated maturity beyond her years but still needs guidance in navigating the mental challenges of professional tennis.
### 3. **Darren Cahill – Former Coach of Simona Halep**
Darren Cahill is one of the most respected coaches on both the WTA and ATP tours, with a calm and methodical approach that has proven successful with several players, including Simona Halep, Andre Agassi, and Lleyton Hewitt.
Cahill’s ability to manage players’ emotional states and his emphasis on tactical discipline could make him an ideal coach for Gauff.
Under Cahill’s guidance, Halep transformed into one of the most consistent players on tour, winning multiple Grand Slam titles. Cahill’s approach emphasizes patience, consistency, and smart shot selection — qualities that could greatly benefit Gauff.
She already has a powerful game, but refining her decision-making, particularly under pressure, would help her become more consistent in her performances, especially in the late stages of major tournaments.
Cahill is also known for his excellent communication skills and his ability to build strong relationships with his players. For Gauff, who has previously mentioned the importance of having a supportive team around her, a coach like Cahill could provide both the technical guidance and the emotional support she needs to thrive at the highest levels of the sport.
### 4. **Wim Fissette – Former Coach of Naomi Osaka and Kim Clijsters**
Wim Fissette is another coach who has guided top players to Grand Slam glory, including Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka, and Kim Clijsters. His tactical expertise and experience in working with hard-hitting baseline players could be a great fit for Gauff, who has a similarly aggressive style.
Fissette is known for his ability to help players improve their mental game, something that could be especially beneficial for Gauff. She has shown incredible resilience on the court but has also struggled with consistency in some high-pressure moments.
Fissette’s work with Osaka, particularly in helping her navigate the mental challenges of being a top player, demonstrates his ability to foster a strong mindset. Gauff, who is still learning how to handle the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being a Grand Slam champion, could benefit from this kind of support.
Moreover, Fissette’s experience working with players who have achieved success on hard courts — a surface where Gauff has already excelled — would be an added advantage as she looks to build on her U.S. Open triumph and continue to improve on her favorite surface.
### 5. **Kamau Murray – Former Coach of Sloane Stephens**
Kamau Murray, who guided Sloane Stephens to her breakthrough U.S. Open victory in 2017, is another strong candidate to take on the role of Gauff’s coach.
Murray is known for his focus on mental toughness and his ability to help players regain their confidence during challenging periods of their careers. This could be an ideal fit for Gauff, who has already faced moments of doubt and inconsistency despite her early success.
Murray’s coaching philosophy centers on building a player’s resilience and helping them stay composed during critical points in a match. Under his guidance, Stephens was able to recover from injuries and periods of poor form to claim her first Grand Slam title.
Gauff, who is still growing and refining her game, could benefit from Murray’s ability to develop a long-term plan for success and help her navigate the ups and downs of professional tennis.
Additionally, Murray has a deep commitment to the development of young American players, having founded the XS Tennis Academy in Chicago. His experience in working with homegrown talent could be particularly appealing to Gauff, who has always expressed pride in representing American tennis.
Murray’s focus on developing all-around players with a strong sense of self-belief would likely resonate with Gauff’s own values and aspirations.
### **Conclusion: A Critical Decision for Gauff’s Future**
As Coco Gauff moves forward after her split with Brad Gilbert, the decision of who to bring in as her next coach will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of her career. Each of these potential coaches offers unique strengths that could help Gauff build on her Grand Slam success and continue to evolve as a player.
Rick Macci’s legendary status in shaping young talent, Patrick Mouratoglou’s tactical brilliance, Darren Cahill’s calm and consistent approach, Wim Fissette’s mental coaching expertise, and Kamau Murray’s focus on resilience all provide Gauff with a wide range of options.
Whichever coach she chooses, it will be important for Gauff to find someone who understands her game and can help her manage both the physical and mental demands of professional tennis.
With the right coach by her side, Gauff has the potential to continue rising in the rankings and add more Grand Slam titles to her already impressive resume. The next chapter of her career will be defined not only by her own incredible talent but also by the guidance she receives from her new coach.
