Key Takeaways
- Former Williams sisters coach Rick Macci predicted that Coco Gauff will reach world number one in 2027, writing: “I have no doubt Coco will be number one next year, because on court, I see more confidence, versatility and less fear.”
- Coco Gauff exited the 2026 US Open in the semifinals after losing 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 to eventual champion Elena Rybakina.
- Elena Rybakina became the 30th WTA world number one since 1975 after beating Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals, leaving Gauff ranked fourth with 7,244 points.
Macci delivers glowing verdict on Gauff despite semifinal exit
Coco Gauff was unable to add the 2026 US Open trophy to her Grand Slam collection, but renowned tennis coach Rick Macci believes her ascent to the summit of the sport is only a matter of time. The young American entered the tournament in fine form, easing through the early rounds before fighting back to defeat Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.
Gauff’s Flushing Meadows campaign ended in the semifinals against eventual champion Elena Rybakina in a tight battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium, falling 6-3, 4-6, 4-6. Despite the defeat, Macci took to social media to predict major breakthroughs for the 22-year-old over the coming seasons.
“Look for Gauff to go to another level,” Macci posted on X. “She is the chosen one and player to watch the rest of the year and in 2027.”
Macci, who famously coached Venus and Serena Williams along with Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova, highlighted the physical and mental improvements in her game. “The Delray Dart is the best athlete on tour and has more courage now and is adding elements brick by brick,” he added.
“I have no doubt Coco will be number one next year, because on court, I see more confidence, versatility and less fear.”
WTA ranking picture following Flushing Meadows
Four players arrived in New York with an opportunity to claim the world number one ranking: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Gauff. Rybakina secured the top spot for the first time in her career following her quarterfinal triumph over Qinwen Zheng, ultimately going on to lift the trophy.
Following the conclusion of the event, Gauff sits fourth in the standings with 7,244 ranking points, trailing Rybakina by 2,667 points.
| Ranking | Player | Ranking points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elena Rybakina | 9,901 |
| 2 | Aryna Sabalenka | 7,875 |
| 3 | Jessica Pegula | 7,265 |
| 4 | Coco Gauff | 7,244 |
| 5 | Mirra Andreeva | 5,743 |
From teenage debut to perennial contender
Gauff navigated a challenging path to the semifinals in New York, recording wins over Zeynep Sonmez, Paula Badosa, Cristina Bucsa, Iva Jovic and Andreeva.
The deep run contrasted with her main-draw debut at the tournament seven years earlier in 2019. At 15 years old, she beat Anastasia Potapova and Timea Babos before falling to Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-0 in the third round.
Following that contest, Gauff recalled Osaka’s sportsmanship during the post-match moments: “She [Osaka] told me that I did amazing and good luck and asked if I could do the on-court interview with her, I said ‘no’ because I knew I would cry the whole time, but she encouraged me to do it.”
She reflected warmly on the experience at the time, stating, “It was amazing, she did amazing and I am going to learn a lot from this match. She has been so sweet to me, so thank you for this.”
Cori Gauff in 2026
At the moment ranked no.4, Gauff played her last match on the 10th of September when she capitulated to world no.1 Elena Rybakina 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the semifinal of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Gauff has achieved an overall 45-14 win-loss record. Coco has won 1 title in Cincinnati.
