How can a two-time Grand Slam champion, a perennial top-5 player, and one of the most athletic forces in tennis have a fundamental, widely-known flaw in her game? This is the paradox of Coco Gauff. At just 21 years old, she is already a titan of the sport, yet a shadow lingers over her game—a vulnerability that top opponents and expert coaches have all identified. Following a jarring 6-1, 6-2 semifinal loss at the China Open, this conversation has reached a fever pitch, with some of the most respected minds in tennis calling for a radical overhaul.
This isn't just about one bad match. For instance, the loss to Amanda Anisimova was a symptom of a larger issue, a performance riddled with the double faults and service struggles that have periodically plagued her career. Now, a comprehensive Coco Gauff serve analysis from top commentators and legendary coaches reveals not just a problem, but a clear, data-driven path forward. The question is: will she take it?
The Champion's Contradiction: A Glaring Achilles' Heel
To understand the problem, you first have to appreciate the greatness. Gauff is a champion. She won her second major at the French Open this year and consistently goes deep in the biggest tournaments. Her backhand is a cannon, her court coverage is generational, and her competitive fire is second to none.
However, the stats from her China Open run tell a different story. In four matches, she racked up an astonishing 23 double faults. In her semifinal loss, she won a meager 39% of her first-serve points. These aren't just off-day numbers; they are indicative of a technical issue that puts a hard ceiling on her potential. While her sheer will and athleticism can carry her past most of the tour, this weakness gets exposed against the elite in high-pressure moments. It's an Achilles' heel that prevents her from truly dominating.
The Expert Diagnosis: What is Gauff's 'Real Problem'?
According to Sky Sports commentator Colin Fleming, the issue is statistically undeniable and surprisingly specific. He pinpoints two areas that need urgent improvement: the forehand and, most critically, the second serve.
"You look at the top 50 WTA players this season, Coco Gauff has won 43% of second serve points in total," Fleming explained during a broadcast. "That puts her 47th out of 50, which for someone of her ranking is a real problem."
Think about that for a moment. A player of her caliber is statistically one of the worst on tour in a crucial category. However, Fleming uncovered a fascinating silver lining that reveals the true nature of the issue:
- The Unreliability: Gauff's low win percentage is dragged down by a high number of double faults. The serve simply isn't reliable.
- The Hidden Potential: When her second serve does go in, she wins 58% of those points, ranking her third-best among the top 50.
The takeaway is clear: the serve itself isn't the problem; the motion that produces it is. It's too inconsistent, leading to errors that gift free points to opponents.
The Prescription: Rick Macci's 'Reconstructive Surgery'
If Colin Fleming provided the diagnosis, then legendary coach Rick Macci—the man who helped shape the Williams sisters—has offered the prescription. And it's a radical one.
"Coco is a champion. She is just 21 years old. Her serve will become a weapon," Macci stated confidently. "If she unplugs this December, does reconstructive surgery and rewires the muscle memory and learns the ATP forehand, she will be able to hold the baseline and dictate instead of defend."
Let's break down what he means. "Reconstructive surgery" isn't a casual term. Macci is advocating for Gauff to strip down her service motion and forehand technique to the studs and rebuild them from scratch this offseason. This isn't about minor tweaks; it's a fundamental rewiring of muscle memory she's relied on for over a decade. The goal is to create more efficient, reliable mechanics that won't break down under pressure, allowing her to move from a world-class defender to an all-court aggressor who dictates play. It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition that could unlock her ultimate potential.
The Stakes: The Race for No. 1 and American Supremacy
While Gauff has managed to win despite these flaws, the tour is catching up. Her World No. 3 ranking is under serious threat from a resurgent Amanda Anisimova, who has already surpassed her in the 2025 Race to the finals. To be clear, Gauff is still a dominant force, as evidenced by her deep run at the Wuhan Open this week, where she reached her 12th WTA-1000 semifinal—more than Serena and Venus Williams combined before the age of 22.
And yet, that very stat also highlights the problem: she has only converted two of those 12 semifinals into titles. This suggests that while she can beat most players, the technical flaws are most costly at the final hurdles against the very best. To consistently challenge Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka for the World No. 1 ranking, she can't afford to give away free points.
A Champion at a Crossroads
Coco Gauff's career is at a fascinating inflection point. She has already achieved more than most players dream of. But for a competitor of her caliber, the goal isn't just to be great; it's to be the greatest.
The evidence is clear, the expert advice is on the table, and the offseason is fast approaching. Will she take the courageous step to "unplug" and rebuild, risking short-term struggles for long-term dominance? Or will she continue to trust the game that has already brought her so much success? Her decision this winter could very well define the next chapter of her career and the landscape of women's tennis for years to come.
What do you think Coco Gauff should do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!