Coco Gauff Needs Return Adjustment to Beat Sabalenka, Says Rick Macci

Coco Gauff, the current world number three, was unable to navigate her way past a rampant Aryna Sabalenka, who won the championship showpiece with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. Sabalenka became only the fifth woman in tennis history to win the coveted 'Sunshine Double'. Gauff showed signs of returning to her best form, even if she did serve seven double faults during the final.

Gauff has struggled with her serve over the past year. However, Rick Macci has suggested that the American needs to adjust another area of her game in order to beat Sabalenka.

Rick Macci, a legendary coaching figure in tennis circles, is credited with the early tennis development of Serena and Venus Williams. Macci has a keen eye for talent; and he recently predicted that Victoria Mboko will achieve the world number one ranking. Macci, who has also worked with Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova, has discussed the adjustments Coco Gauff should make to her return position.

Coco can flip the script sooner than later against Sabalenka with one major league strategic adjustment, Macci said in a post on X. "Return of serve. On the first she has to stand closer as the wide slider on the deuce court from the Belarus Bomber got the Delray Dart into downtown Miami and that was the beginning of the end. Coco has to bisect the court shorten the swing get more sting return on a dime and take away time."

This is far from the first occasion that Macci has offered advice to Gauff. Recently, the American coach stated that Gauff should alter her serve position to a platform stance in order to improve the shot.

After losing the Miami Open final, Coco Gauff will begin her preparations for the clay-court swing. Gauff, who enjoyed an excellent clay-court campaign in 2025, is set to make her return to competitive play at the Stuttgart Open in Germany.

The WTA 500 event, held on clay, is set to run from April 13 to 19. Gauff is not the only tennis star taking part in the event. Defending champion Jelena Ostapenko is set to return, while Ekaterina Alexandrova, Barbora Krejcikova and Leylah Fernandez are also slated to take part. Alexandra Eala, perhaps the most popular player on the WTA Tour, is in the qualifying draw.