Serena Williams’ former coach says if he thinks Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic can win the US Open this year

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The 2025 US Open is right around the corner, as the stars of the ATP and WTA Tour dream of picking up the title in New York.

In 2024, Jannik Sinner won his maiden US Open title, defeating home-favorite Taylor Fritz in the final.

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula to seal her first US Open win, having finished as runner-up one year earlier.

Both players return as favorites to defend their US Open titles in 2025, but that’s not to say they’ll have it easy.

The likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff are likely to be in contention during the latter stages of the tournament.

Weighing in with his thoughts, Serena Williams’ former coach has commented on Djokovic and Gauff’s US Open chances.

Rick Macci believes Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff can win the US Open

Never one to shy away from giving his opinion, Rick Macci took to X, sharing his thoughts on Djokovic’s upcoming US Open campaign.

“Does Novak [Djokovic] have a shot to win the [US] Open?” he asked.

“He has a shot because he has all the shots.

“24 Slams in his back pocket, it depends on his body and how it affects each joint and socket.

“Never count out the heart of the rubber band man, when he has that magical stick in his hand.”

Macci proceeded to explain why, at the Grand Slam tournaments in particular, players like Djokovic have the edge.

“Three out of five with the men is a different animal,” he said.

“The physical is one thing, but the mental is what separates great from good. Then, to reset and tee it up again is why the favorites almost always win.

“[Roger] Federer, Djokovic, Rafa [Nadal], Jannik [Sinner], Carlos [Alcaraz]. You have to have skill, but at the key moments, the courage and will.”

While the best-of-three Masters 1000 tournaments have been shared between five different players in 2025, only two players have won Grand Slams this year.

The same was the case during Djokovic’s prime years, as he, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer dominated the Grand Slam events.

Macci was also keen to share his thoughts on Gauff, who won the title back in 2023.

“Coco [Gauff] has the pedigree and inner qualities that she can win any tournament, any time, anywhere,” he said.

“With foot speed like a blur and the heart of a lion, she can win the Open because she never quits and is always trying.”

Gauff has already won a major title in 2025, but would love to add a second, especially after her disappointing Wimbledon performance.

Coco Gauff’s 2025 Grand Slam record

The 21-year-old American has won 11 Grand Slam matches in 2025 (Australian Open – 4, French Open – 7).

• 2025 Australian Open 1R – [WIN] v Sofia Kenin
• 2025 Australian Open 2R – [WIN] v Jodie Burrage
• 2025 Australian Open 3R – [WIN] v Leylah Fernandez
• 2025 Australian Open 4R – [WIN] v Belinda Bencic
• 2025 Australian Open QF – [LOSS] v Paula Badosa
• 2025 French Open 1R – [WIN] v Olivia Gadecki
• 2025 French Open 2R – [WIN] v Tereza Valentova
• 2025 French Open 3R – [WIN] v Marie Bouzkova
• 2025 French Open 4R – [WIN] v Ekaterina Alexandrova
• 2025 French Open QF – [WIN] v Madison Keys
• 2025 French Open SF – [WIN] v Lois Boisson
• 2025 French Open F – [WIN] v Aryna Sabalenka
• 2025 Wimbledon 1R – [LOSS] v Dayana Yastremska

Gauff’s current record for Grand Slam wins in a single season is 16, which she achieved in 2024.

If she were to reach the final of the US Open, she would notch her 17th win of the season, breaking her record in style.

Gauff will not only be looking to reach the final in New York, but she’ll hope she can go one step further and pick up the title.

The world number three will begin her US Open campaign when the tournament begins on Sunday, August 24.