Rick Macci, a seven-time USPTA national coach of the year, has given his verdict on two of the biggest names in modern women’s tennis: 23-time Grand Slam singles winner Serena Williams and six-time champion Iga Swiatek.
Rick Macci Has Drawn Comparisons Between Serena Williams and Iga Świątek
Macci, 70, often shares his opinions on the game on X, where he has nearly 5,000 followers. In a recent post, he drew parallels between US tennis legend Williams and Świątek, who recently won her first title at Wimbledon.
Macci wrote on X, “Iga is the most accomplished player in the 21st century. Serena is the greatest player since the start of 2000. Both special champions on and off the court. Both cut from the same championship cloth.”
Iga is the most accomplished player in the 21st century. Serena is the greatest player since the start of 2000. Both special champions on and off the court. Both cut from the same championship cloth.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 22, 2025
Macci, who is best known for coaching Venus and Serena Williams, is also known for his insights and analyses on tennis. One of the most respected coaches in the US, the veteran has also worked with the likes of Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Maria Sharapova.
Macci recently came to Świątek’s defence after detractors pointed out that she did not face a single top 10 player en route to her first Wimbledon title. The veteran coach argued that the Pole did not “have the connections” to make the draw.
“People say Iga did not beat a top 10 player to win W, they are correct,” Macci wrote on X. “She did not beat them, she punished them. Also the Polish Punisher was SO connected mind and body BUT she does not have the connections to make the draw.”
Among current players, Macci has also spoken highly of Coco Gauff, who won her second Grand Slam title at this year’s Roland-Garros. Macci has repeatedly expressed faith in the American’s ability to rise to the top of the world rankings.
Iga Świątek Next Scheduled to Compete in Montreal
Iga Świątek is yet to play a match since her Wimbledon triumph and her next tournament is scheduled to be the Canadian Open. The Pole’s last appearance at the WTA 1000 event came in 2023, when she reached the semifinals before losing 2-6, 7-6(4), 4-6 to eventual champion Jessica Pegula.
Świątek’s other two appearances at the Canadian Open came in 2019 and 2022, and she endured third-round exits in both years.