Just days before the 2025 US Open kicks off in New York, world No. 3 Coco Gauff has sent shockwaves through the tennis world by parting ways with coach Matthew Daly, a move that underscores her relentless drive to refine her game as she defends her 2023 title. The 21-year-old American, a two-time Grand Slam champion, has replaced Daly with biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, signaling a strategic shift to address persistent serving struggles that have plagued her 2025 season. With the main draw set to begin on Sunday, August 24, Gauff’s last-minute decision has sparked intense speculation about her prospects at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff’s coaching shakeup comes on the heels of a rollercoaster year. After a triumphant 2024, where she clinched the China Open and WTA Finals under Daly’s guidance, Gauff added a second Grand Slam title at the French Open in June 2025, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final. She also reached the finals of the Madrid and Italian Opens, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels. However, her form has faltered since Paris, with only four singles wins in her last four tournaments. A first-round exit at Wimbledon and a quarterfinal loss to Jasmine Paolini at the Cincinnati Open highlighted ongoing issues, particularly with her serve. Gauff’s 320 double faults in 47 matches this season, including a staggering 23 in a single match against Danielle Collins at the Canadian Open, have been a glaring liability.
Daly, a grip specialist hired in September 2024 after Gauff split with Brad Gilbert, initially brought stability to her game. “Only have good things to say about Coco, enjoyed working with her,” Daly said, reflecting on their 10-month partnership. His focus on adjusting Gauff’s grip and serve mechanics yielded early success, but recent struggles prompted her to seek a fresh perspective. Enter MacMillan, a biomechanics expert credited with transforming Sabalenka’s serve after her own battles with the yips in 2022. MacMillan, founder of Sport Science Lab, was spotted working with Gauff during a practice session at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Wednesday, alongside her longtime coach Jean-Christophe “J.C.” Faurel, who remains on her team.
The timing of the change, just days before the US Open, has raised eyebrows. Gauff, seeded third behind Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, faces immense pressure as the home-crowd favorite and 2023 champion. “I feel like I’m under a microscope my whole career, honestly, with things on and off the court,” Gauff said earlier this summer at the Cincinnati Open. Her decision to bring in MacMillan reflects a proactive approach to her serving woes, which she described as “on a crutch” after a disappointing performance in Montreal. MacMillan’s work with Sabalenka, which involved breaking down technical flaws and rebuilding her motion, offers hope. “I understand this has got to be a really difficult time, but the thing I can promise you is that this isn’t mental,” MacMillan told Sabalenka in 2022, a philosophy he’s likely applying to Gauff’s challenges.
Analysts have praised Gauff’s boldness. “It’s a smart move to go to someone who’s had success with Sabalenka,” said ESPN analyst Mary Joe Fernandez, while Patrick McEnroe called it “a gutsy move” for addressing a weakness head-on. However, the tight timeline raises questions about whether MacMillan can implement changes before the tournament. Gauff’s practice sessions, including a serving drill with MacMillan and Faurel on Arthur Ashe Stadium, suggest an urgent focus on her toss and contact point—issues that cause her to drop her head and drag serves into the net.
Gauff’s resilience has defined her career. Despite her serving struggles, she remains a formidable competitor, relying on her athleticism and tenacity to outlast opponents. Her 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) win over Collins in Montreal, despite 23 double faults, showcased her ability to grind out victories. As she prepares for an exhibition match on Thursday night and the US Open draw announcement, all eyes are on whether this coaching gamble will pay off. With MacMillan’s expertise and Faurel’s steady presence, Gauff is betting on science and determination to turn her serve into a weapon, potentially reshaping her path to another Grand Slam title.
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