The major adjustment Coco Gauff has been told could help beat Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka ends Gauff’s Miami Open title hopes with final win

Coco Gauff’s Miami Open run came to an end on Saturday when she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

The 20-year-old American, now ranked third in the world, couldn’t overcome Sabalenka, who took the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

Sabalenka’s victory was not just another title win. The triumph made her just the fifth woman in history to achieve the ‘Sunshine Double’, a rare feat that highlights her remarkable form this season.

Gauff hit seven double faults during the match and has had issues with her serve for over a year now. But according to Rick Macci, there’s another area of her game she needs to focus on if she wants to start getting the better of Sabalenka.

Coco Gauff is encouraged to change her return game against Aryna Sabalenka

Rick Macci is a name that carries weight in tennis. He played a key role in the early careers of both Serena and Venus Williams.

Macci has an eye for talent, and he’s already backed Victoria Mboko to reach world number one status.

He’s also worked with the likes of Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova, so when he speaks about adjustments, people tend to listen. This time, he’s focused on how Coco Gauff could tweak her return game.

Speaking on X, Macci said: “Coco can flip the script sooner than later against Sabalenka with one major league strategic adjustment.”

“Return of serve. On the first she has to stand closer as the wide slider on the deuce court from the Belarus Bomber got the Delray Dart into downtown Miami and that was the beginning of the end.”

“Coco has to bisect the court shorten the swing get more sting return on a dime and take away time.”

This isn’t new territory for Macci when it comes to advising Gauff. He recently suggested a switch to a platform stance could help improve her serve.

Read more: