{"id":89065,"date":"2025-08-20T15:15:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=89065"},"modified":"2025-08-20T15:15:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:15:19","slug":"coco-gauff-coaching-change-days-before-us-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2025\/08\/20\/coco-gauff-coaching-change-days-before-us-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Coco Gauff Makes Major Coaching Shake-Up Just Days Before the US Open"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a bold last-minute move, Coco Gauff–fresh off her French Open triumph<\/a> and entering the US Open<\/a> as the No. 3 seed–has parted ways with coach Matt Daly. In his place, she has turned to Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics expert best known for helping Aryna Sabalenka transform her serve<\/a>. Reports confirmed that MacMillan has already joined Gauff on site in New York, signaling an immediate shift in her preparation.<\/p>\n

The Coaching Switch<\/h2>\n

Matt Daly, a grip technique specialist who joined Gauff\u2019s team in late 2024, played a crucial role in her surge last season. Under his guidance, she won the China Open, the WTA Finals, and captured her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros<\/a> this summer. His focus on technical adjustments to her grip and serve brought early success, but recent months have exposed flaws that once again left Gauff vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Enter MacMillan, the founder of Sport Science Lab, whose biomechanics-driven approach has been credited with reviving Aryna Sabalenka\u2019s serve. His philosophy leans heavily on data, body mechanics, and video analysis–a scientific approach that could be exactly what Gauff needs to regain stability on one of the most important shots in tennis.<\/p>\n

Why Now?<\/h4>\n

The decision comes at a low point in Gauff\u2019s season. She currently leads the WTA in double faults and famously hit 23 in a single match<\/a> against Danielle Collins earlier this summer. That weakness bled into her Wimbledon campaign and continued through the North American hard-court swing, leaving her frustrated and exposed in key moments.<\/p>\n

The timing, just days before the US Open, has raised eyebrows. Former coach Rick Macci cautioned<\/a> that instead of cutting ties, Gauff should have looked to expand her team with added science-based expertise. On the other hand, expert coach and ESPN analyst Darren Cahill has praised MacMillan\u2019s methods on air on ESPN, suggesting the change could unlock new levels in Gauff\u2019s game if she adapts quickly.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>