Coco Gauff, one of tennis’s brightest stars and a top contender at this year’s US Open, has made a dramatic coaching change just days before the first ball is served in New York. The 21-year-old American has parted ways with Matt Daly, a key figure in her support team, and has brought in biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to sharpen her game ahead of one of the most important tournaments of her career.
Jean-Christophe Faurel, Gauff’s trusted long-term coach, remains in her corner, but the restructuring reflects both urgency and ambition. Gauff’s camp confirmed the switch was motivated by the need to address technical issues with her serve, a weakness that has plagued her during recent tournaments and led to a string of unexpected defeats.
Despite her explosive athleticism and defensive skills, Gauff’s serve has become an Achilles heel. She entered the summer swing with one of the highest numbers of double faults on tour, often surrendering momentum in key matches. At Wimbledon, the inconsistency cost her dearly in an early-round exit, and she struggled again at the Cincinnati Open, falling well short of expectations. The serve is a weapon that can transform matches, especially at the Grand Slam level. Gauff and her team appear determined to fix the problem before it derails another campaign. By hiring MacMillan, a coach who has worked with elite players on biomechanics and technique, she is signaling her intent to find immediate solutions.
Gavin MacMillan is known for his scientific, data-driven approach to training. His work emphasizes body mechanics, efficient motion, and reducing stress on the joints while maximizing power. He has previously helped other top players reconstruct their serves and gain both consistency and confidence under pressure. For Gauff, whose power game relies on explosive movement, his methods could make the difference between another frustrating major and a deep run at Flushing Meadows.
This is not the first time Gauff has made a bold move with her coaching staff. Last year, she ended her partnership with Brad Gilbert shortly after withdrawing early from the US Open, opting to streamline her team around Faurel and Daly. Now, just twelve months later, Daly is out and MacMillan is in, highlighting both the challenges of finding the perfect fit and Gauff’s willingness to experiment in pursuit of excellence. While frequent changes can sometimes unsettle a player, they can also bring fresh energy and new insights. Gauff, still only 21, has time on her side but is entering a stage of her career where consistency at Grand Slams will be the benchmark of success.
The timing of the decision adds intrigue to her US Open campaign. Fans will be eager to see if MacMillan’s influence delivers an immediate impact on her serve and overall confidence. With the women’s field as competitive as ever, featuring rivals like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, small improvements could prove decisive. For American fans, Gauff carries the weight of expectation as one of the country’s brightest young stars since Serena and Venus Williams. A strong showing in New York would not only elevate her ranking but also solidify her status as the face of the next generation of women’s tennis.
Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Coco Gauff is not afraid to take risks in pursuit of greatness. By retooling her coaching setup just before the US Open, she is betting on science, strategy, and adaptability to push her game to the next level. The tennis world will be watching closely as she steps onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, hoping that this new chapter will unlock the consistency she needs to contend for another Grand Slam title.