Coco Gauff is starting to worry: Serena Williams’ ex-coach doesn’t hold back on criticism

Coco Gauff is starting to worry: Serena Williams’ ex-coach doesn’t hold back on criticism

Coco Gauff’s promising tennis career continues to be plagued by the same technical weaknesses that have hindered her rise to the top.

The 2025 season has proven to be a frustrating continuation of old issues for the talented young player, particularly in her serve and forehand.
Despite being highly regarded by coaches such as Rick Macci, who previously predicted her eventual world number one status, Gauff’s recurring problems have only become more evident in recent tournaments.

The most alarming display of her struggles came during the Wuhan Open last year, where Gauff recorded a shocking 21 double faults during a single semi-final match.
Her recent showing at the Miami Open wasn’t much better, as she suffered a straight-sets defeat to Magda Linette, producing 12 double faults and 45 unforced errors.

Such performances have left many questioning whether Gauff can overcome these technical flaws and regain her competitive edge.

Growing Concerns Over Gauff’s Progress
One of Gauff’s most vocal critics has been Rennae Stubbs, a former coach of Serena Williams, who has repeatedly pointed out Gauff’s vulnerabilities.

Stubbs has been particularly concerned with Gauff’s second serve, service motion, service grip, and forehand, highlighting how these weaknesses become more apparent when playing outdoors where environmental factors like wind can impact performance.

On her recent podcast episode, The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, released on March 25th, Stubbs voiced her disapproval of Gauff’s early exit from the Miami Open. She noted how the young star’s form has been slipping despite showing glimpses of promise throughout the tournament.