"Everything is true" - Coco Gauff confirms talks between her father and former Venus & Serena Williams coach Rick Macci for potential partnership

Coco Gauff (L) and Rick Macci pictured with Serena Williams (R)
Coco Gauff (left) and Rick Macci pictured with Serena Williams (right)

Coco Gauff has confirmed that her father and Rick Macci, the childhood coach of the legendary Venus and Serena Williams, have held talks recently for a potential partnership.

Macci, who also coached the likes of Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick, could be roped in to work on Gauff's technique, especially her forehand, which is considered by many to be the main chink in her armor.

At her pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon, the American admitted that if an agreement is reached, she and Macci will work together at the end of the season.

"I haven't spoken to Rick personally. But, yes, him and my dad converse a lot. Not just now but over the years. Yeah, that was one of the options to do that after the season is over," Coco Gauff said.
"Obviously it's far from now, so I can't really confirm. But, yeah, I believe, based off what you told me, everything is true."

Gauff comes into Wimbledon on the back of a semifinal run at Eastbourne, where she fell to eventual winner Madison Keys. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old believes it was a good tournament for her, giving her a lot of confidence heading into the grasscourt Major.

"Honestly, it was a good tournament for me. I gained a lot of confidence there. Had a couple good wins. My first top-10 win in a while. I'm really confident going into this tournament," Coco Gauff said.
"Obviously, the last match didn't go how I wanted it to. I really think I could have changed some things in the match, too. But I think Madison played a really good match. I'm hoping to learn from that, combat that, and bring the same momentum into these next two weeks," she added.

"Her game is a tough game to play against" - Coco Gauff on Wimbledon opener against Sofia Kenin

Previews: The Championships - Wimbledon 2023
Previews: The Championships - Wimbledon 2023

Coco Gauff opens her 2023 Wimbledon campaign against compatriot Sofia Kenin, someone who plays very similar to the American with her powerful groundstrokes.

Gauff admitted as much in her press conference, saying that she expects a very tough contest, especially as Kenin will have the confidence of three straight wins in the qualifying rounds.

"Her game is pretty similar. I think I just got better. Obviously, she was in a tough spot earlier this year. I think coming through qualifying, she'll have a lot more confidence, so I'm not expecting an easy match at all. It's going to be a tough match," Coco Gauff said.
"Her game is, I don't know, a tough game to play against. She has a couple weapons, underrated weapons, that I don't think people speak about as much. But, yeah, I think it will be a tough match," she added.

A victory against Kenin will pit Gauff agaisnt either Storm Hunter or Wang Xin in the second round.

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