Venus and Serena’s Ex-Coach Warns Iga Swiatek as Coco Gauff Becomes a Major Threat Ahead of 2025 Season
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.
