Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis prodigy and 2023 US Open champion, has openly reflected on a critical misstep she believes impacted her performance at the 2025 US Open, where she suffered a disappointing fourth-round exit. The young star, who also claimed the 2025 French Open title, admitted to a strategic error in her preparation, specifically a last-minute coaching change that left her questioning the decision-making process. “I don’t understand what their thinking was,” Gauff remarked, addressing the choice to part ways with coach Matt Daly just days before the tournament and bring in biomechanical specialist Gavin MacMillan. Despite a valiant effort, Gauff’s campaign in New York ended in a 6-3, 6-2 loss to Naomi Osaka, prompting her to reassess her approach as she heads into the Asian Swing of the 2025 WTA season.
Gauff’s 2025 has been a year of highs and lows. With 26 wins, including a Roland Garros triumph, she has solidified her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars. However, her form dipped after Paris, with a first-round exit at Wimbledon and persistent serving struggles, including a staggering 23 double faults in a single match. Seeking to address her shaky service game, Gauff made the bold move to part with Daly, her long-time coach, after a lackluster Cincinnati performance. She enlisted MacMillan, who had previously aided Aryna Sabalenka’s serve, hoping for a quick fix. “I thought that was a good performance from me serving,” Gauff noted after her US Open loss, acknowledging some improvement in her serve but lamenting her overall game. Her 33 unforced errors, including 20 on the forehand, against Osaka highlighted deeper issues, as she admitted, “I felt so discombobulated on the court.”
Tennis Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink, speaking on a US Open recap show, questioned the timing of the coaching switch. “What I don’t understand is the coach MacMillan,” Flink said. “I don’t understand what their thinking was to be doing this on the eve of the Open.” He argued that Gauff would have been better served waiting until after the tournament to overhaul her team, allowing time to refine her game away from the WTA Tour’s intense spotlight. The decision, made in the lead-up to a major where she was defending only 130 points from her 2024 fourth-round exit, backfired as Gauff failed to capitalize on her seeding and home-crowd support at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite the setback, Gauff’s resilience shone through. “I am not going to let this crush me,” she declared after her loss to Osaka, emphasizing her determination to bounce back. Her serving, while improved, couldn’t compensate for her struggles returning and groundstroke errors, which she admitted were unexpected given her confidence entering the tournament. “It’s disappointing, for sure. It was not the level I wanted to bring,” she reflected, noting the emotional toll of the week. Yet, Gauff found perspective in her progress, stating, “If I kept the way I was going in Cincinnati, I would have been out in the first round.” Her ability to reach the third round—her best US Open showing since her 2023 title—marked a step forward, even if it fell short of her lofty ambitions.
As Gauff prepares for the Korea Open and China Open, where she has minimal points to defend, she has a golden opportunity to regain momentum. Her partnership with MacMillan continues, with a focus on syncing her improved serve with her baseline game. “It’s a step in the right direction,” she said, buoyed by her team’s encouragement. Off the court, Gauff’s emotional candor—seen in her tearful moments during earlier rounds—has endeared her to fans, who admire her vulnerability. “It feels human,” she said of her on-court emotions, countering critics who expect perfection from the world No. 3. With her sights set on climbing the rankings and adding to her Grand Slam tally, Gauff’s US Open reflection signals a maturing star ready to learn from mistakes and charge toward a brighter future.
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