As the 2025 US Open kicks off at Flushing Meadows, Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion, finds herself at a crossroads. The 21-year-old American star, once heralded as tennis’s next big thing, has made headlines with a dramatic coaching change just weeks before the season’s final Grand Slam. Her decision to part ways with longtime coach Brad Gilbert and bring in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan alongside Jean-Christophe Faurel stems from a troubling dip in her serve, a weakness exposed by alarming statistics. With 39 double faults across two recent tournaments and a first-serve percentage languishing at 55%, Gauff’s bold move signals her determination to reclaim her place among the elite. As she prepares to face Varvara Gracheva in the first round, the tennis world watches to see if this gamble will reignite her spark.
## A Serve in Crisis
Gauff’s serve, once a reliable weapon, has become a glaring liability in 2025. In her last two tournaments—the Canadian Open and Cincinnati—she racked up 39 double faults, a staggering figure for a player of her caliber. Her first-serve percentage, hovering at a career-low 55%, has allowed opponents to capitalize on second serves, putting her under constant pressure. Former pro Chanda Rubin, analyzing Gauff’s preparation, noted a visible frustration, stating, “She’s been irritated, and her body language shows she’s not comfortable on hard courts right now.” This decline prompted Gauff to end her 14-month partnership with Gilbert, whose guidance led her to the 2023 US Open title but couldn’t reverse her recent slide.
The split, announced on August 21, was amicable but telling. Gilbert, who also coached Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, reacted with grace, posting a concise 12-word message: “Thanks Coco for great run, loved working with you, all the best.” Gauff, in turn, praised Gilbert’s impact, saying, “Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams.” Yet, the numbers don’t lie—her serve needed urgent attention, and she turned to MacMillan, a biomechanics savant known for fixing technical flaws. MacMillan’s prior work with Aryna Sabalenka, transforming her serve from a liability to a weapon, gives Gauff hope. “I’m excited to work with someone who understands the mechanics inside out,” Gauff said, signaling her trust in MacMillan’s expertise.
## A Strategic Reset for the US Open
Gauff’s coaching change is a calculated risk as she defends ranking points from her 2023 triumph. Her 2025 season has been inconsistent, with no titles since last year’s WTA Finals and a fourth-round Wimbledon exit to Emma Navarro. The pressure is palpable, especially with top seeds like Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka looming in her draw. Former coach Rick Macci, while backing rival Mirra Andreeva, acknowledged Gauff’s potential, stating, “Coco’s still a threat when she’s on, but that serve needs fixing fast.” MacMillan’s focus on biomechanics aims to stabilize Gauff’s delivery, increasing first-serve accuracy and reducing double faults, which spiked to 11 in her Cincinnati loss to Yulia Putintseva.
Joining MacMillan is Faurel, a familiar face from Gauff’s early career, offering continuity and emotional support. “JC knows my game from way back, and that’s huge for me,” Gauff noted, emphasizing the comfort of working with a trusted ally. This dual-coach approach mirrors strategies employed by players like Serena Williams, who blended technical and tactical expertise to stay at the top. Gauff’s team is banking on MacMillan’s precision and Faurel’s rapport to unlock her potential on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, where she thrives under the electric New York crowd.
## The Bigger Picture
Gauff’s struggles reflect the relentless demands of the WTA Tour, where young stars face intense scrutiny. At 21, she’s already a Grand Slam champion and former world number two, but recent losses have dented her confidence. Rubin observed, “Coco looks underprepared, like she’s searching for answers.” The coaching change, though risky, is a proactive step to address technical flaws before they derail her season. Her draw offers a chance to build momentum, with Gracheva, ranked outside the top 50, presenting a winnable opener. A potential fourth-round clash with Swiatek looms, testing whether Gauff’s new team can deliver under pressure.
Fans and analysts are divided. Some see the move as a sign of maturity, with Gauff taking ownership of her career. Others worry it’s a panic decision, with one observer noting, “Changing coaches this close to a Slam is bold, maybe too bold.” Yet, Gauff’s history of defying expectations—winning the US Open at 19—suggests she thrives in high-stakes moments. The home crowd, which she calls “my biggest cheerleaders,” could provide the boost she needs.
## A Defining Moment
As Gauff steps onto the court, all eyes are on her serve and her resolve. The 2025 US Open is a chance to silence doubters and prove her coaching shake-up was the right call. With MacMillan’s technical expertise and Faurel’s steady presence, Gauff is rebuilding her game from the ground up. “I’m here to fight and grow,” she declared, a reminder of her fierce determination. Whether this bold move propels her to another title or exposes growing pains, Gauff’s journey promises to be one of the US Open’s most compelling stories.
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