Coco Gauff will be hoping her new coaching hire can transform a lacklustre start to the second half of 2025.
After winning the French Open title in June, the American star has struggled to impress: losing in the Wimbledon first round before being shocked by Canadian prodigy Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open.
However, Gauff has made a change to her backroom staff, a move that could shift the 21-year-old into gear at the US Open.
Gauff has hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, replacing now-former coach Matt Daly. MacMillan previously worked with Aryna Sabalenka to help the Belarusian correct her serving issues.
With Gauff struggling to serve at a high level in recent months, this appointment could be the perfect solution.
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesAryna Sabalenka says it took two weeks for her to see a ‘big difference’ in her serve after working with Gavin MacMillan
Gavin MacMillan’s effect on Aryna Sabalenka’s serve was remarkable considering the Belarusian’s struggles prior to their partnership.
Just a few years ago, Sabalenka was frequently recording double-digit double-fault performances in matches, while also resorting to underarm serving.
Since working with MacMillan, Sabalenka has become one of the best servers on the WTA Tour.
Matt Roberts, a tennis journalist who co-hosts The Tennis Podcast, revealed a recent conversation with Sabalenka concerning her time with MacMillan
Roberts said: “I asked Aryna Sabalenka today how long it took her to see changes with Gavin MacMillan and get her to a place where she was happier with her serve, and she said two weeks!
“She said ‘I was desperate. Two weeks of incredibly hard work doing whatever it was he told me, fully buying in to what he was telling me, and I saw a big difference.’
“I think it’s going to be hard for Coco Gauff, with a Grand Slam going on at the same time, to see really meaningful change in such a short space of time.
“But that answer from Sabalenka did suggest to me that, okay, like maybe the US Open we might still see some problems, but there’s definitely a potential bright end to the season for Coco Gauff.”
How many WTA points are Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff defending at the US Open?
As the defending US Open Ladies Singles champion, Aryna Sabalenka has the most to lose at the US Open.
The Belarusian is defending 2000 WTA points heading into the tournament, something which can only be equalled by winning the tournament for a second consecutive year.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Gauff, meanwhile, lost to Emma Navarro in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open. Therefore, the American has to defend 240 WTA points at the tournament.
Sabalenka and Gauff’s closest rival, Iga Swiatek, will defend 430 points after a quarter-final run at Flushing Meadows in 2024.