Serena Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci has tipped Coco Gauff to replace Iga Swiatek as “WTA clubhouse leader,” but that statement is probably a bit interesting considering that Aryna Sabalenka is currently the top-ranked player in the game and was voted as the Player of the Year.
This past season, the third-ranked American didn’t manage to land any Grand Slams but she finished the year on a positive note after winning Beijing and the WTA Finals.
Coco Gauff© WTA Finals Riyadh/X – Fair Use
On the other side, the Pole successfully defended her French Open title – but other than that – continued to struggle in Slams outside Roland Garros.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka won two Majors in just three Slam appearances – she made it all the way at the Australian Open and US Open – reached the French Open quarterfinal – and didn’t get to compete at Wimbledon because of an unfortunate shoulder injury.
Also, the Belarusian overtook Swiatek at the top spot after the US Open and finished as the Year-End No. 1 for the first time in her career.
Macci: Gauff will replace Swiatek as the WTA clbhouse leader in 2025
“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,” Williams’ ex-coach wrote on X.
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
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) December 18, 2024
In a separate post, Macci added: “If her subtle liabilities become an asset with year end biomechanical modifications look for Coco the Delray Dart to Dart into the Pole position and replace the Pole.”
If her subtle liabilities become an asset with year end biomechanical modifications look for Coco the Delray Dart to Dart into the Pole position and replace the Pole. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) December 19, 2024
Since Ashleigh Barty’s retirement in 2022, Swiatek has had the most success on the WTA Tour. With that being said, the American coach probably referred to that.
However, when it comes to the current situation on the WTA Tour, there is little to no doubt that Sabalenka was the better player this year than Swiatek and that she enters the new season regarded as the best in the game.
But anyways, Gauff is also widely regarded as one of the top players and a legitimate contender for the biggest titles.
Tennis World USA