Serena Williams’ former coach has identified what Coco Gauff must do to become world number one

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Coco Gauff was unable to continue her winning streak at the Australian Open after losing in the quarter-finals to Paula Badosa.

Gauff responded to critics following her defeat in Melbourne, as she continues to seek her second major title following the 2023 US Open.

After she hit 41 unforced errors against Badosa, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki pointed out Gauff’s mistakes.

The American was very reflective in her post-match press conference, with Gauff admitting it felt different to previous losses.

Despite the disappointment of losing at the quarter-final stage, Gauff congratulated Madison Keys on her Australian Open victory.

Rick Macci explains what Coco Gauff needs to do to become world number one

Gauff is currently the world number three behind Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, but has been ranked as high as number two.

Despite Gauff trailing Sabalenka by 2,418 points, top coach Rick Macci has pinpointed the improvements she can make to reach the summit of the WTA rankings.

“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” Macci said on X (formerly known as Twitter). “If second serve becomes an asset and forehand become her best shot.

“Her first serve SOMEDAY can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Make up speed is as good as the sport has ever seen.”

Macci, who has offered to coach Emma Raducanu, has previously mentored former world number one’s including both Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Jennifer Capriati.

What is next for Coco Gauff?

Following her exit from the Australian Open, Gauff headed home and attended a basketball game in Miami.

The 20-year-old is scheduled to return to the tennis matchcourt in the coming weeks for two big events in the Middle East.

This will begin for Gauff at the Qatar Open, having lost her only match in Doha last year, before heading to the second WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai.

The Qatar Open gets underway on Sunday February 9, with Gauff receiving an automatic bye to the second round as the third seed.