Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams, has come up to defend Coco Gauff’s surface skills as she begins her grasscourt season at the Berlin Tennis Open.  Macci contends that detractors undervalue Gauff’s abilities, pointing out that she is a fierce contender on every court because to her extraordinary speed.

Gauff has been playing well on the WTA Tour this year, winning her second Grand Slam championship at the 2025 French Open and routinely making it to the round of the main events.  As she gains momentum for Wimbledon next month, the 21-year-old is now trying to win her maiden grasscourt title in Berlin.

Macci used social media to allay concerns about Gauff’s grasscourt prowess prior to her debut match at the WTA 500 event, highlighting her exceptional speed as a key differentiator.  “A lot of people say that Coco can’t play on grass,” he said.  Coco’s ELITE SPEED allows her to perform well on any surface.  She will discover out the perfect method to play, and Speed will live to see another day.

Macci also discussed his thoughts on the analogies between Gauff and Serena Williams. Macci has trained tennis greats such as Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, and the Williams sisters.  While acknowledging Serena’s special status, he drew attention to the parallels between Venus Williams and Gauff, pointing out their quickness and intense spirit of competition.  “Gazelle quickly.  Lightning fast.  loose cables.  Furious Fury.  Forehand that is whippy.  Backhand bullet.  He wrote, “And the most popular Thread is a Champions Head.”