Introduction
At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff is already a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open. As she returns to the 2025 US Open, all eyes are on a pivotal decision she made just days before the tournament: a sudden yet calculated coaching change. This article dives deep into the reasons behind the shift, her new coach, and how the unwavering support from her mother and boyfriend plays a crucial role in her journey to elite performance.
1. The Coaching Shake-Up: Why Did It Happen?
Coco’s decision to part ways with longtime coach Matt Daly less than a week before the 2025 US Open stunned the tennis world. The duo had guided her to triumphs, including the French Open crown earlier this year. However, persistent serving issues—especially an alarming number of double faults—demanded urgent addressing.
In 2025 alone, Gauff had committed 320 double faults in 47 matches—an average of 6.8 per match—making her the WTA’s clear leader in that unwelcome category. Her serve wobbled significantly at Wimbledon and during summer hard-court events, prompting a bold, preemptive change ahead of the season’s final major.
2. Enter Gavin MacMillan: The Biomechanics Expert
To tackle her serving woes, Gauff turned to Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist known for his success with Aryna Sabalenka—who regained form and soared to world No. 1 after working with him.
MacMillan joined her team days before the tournament, working alongside her remaining coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, while Daly stepped aside. Gauff herself described the decision as “very sudden” but insisted it was the best decision for my game, emphasizing long-term growth over short-term comfort.
3. How the Change Affected Her Play at the US Open
Despite the tumultuous lead-up, Gauff managed to rally through her first-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic in a dramatic three-set showdown (6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5). The match exposed lingering inconsistencies, including 10 double faults, but also featured flashes of brilliance—a powerful 103 mph serve and clutch backhand winners under pressure.
She admitted the revamped serve was challenged by old habits, but found improved rhythm as the match unfolded. Analysts, including Lindsay Davenport, stressed that even a moderately solid serving day—reducing double faults significantly—would markedly boost her confidence and overall game Tennis.com.
Rick Macci, another respected coach, praised the move as potentially pivotal for her career trajectory.
4. The Pillars of Support: Mom, Dad, and Beyond
Behind every athlete’s success lies a network of support—and for Gauff, her parents have been anchors.
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Corey Gauff, her father, was her first coach and sacrificed his own athletic aspirations to guide her journey. While he stepped back from full-time coaching in 2023, he remains a crucial advisory presence, even delivering scouting reports during tournaments.
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Candi Gauff, her mother, stepped away from a teaching career to homeschool Coco, ensuring balance between her education and tennis commitments.
Coco herself acknowledges their profound influence: “My parents have respected my independence… My dad stepped back… she asked my mom to accompany me during tournaments, seeking a stronger female presence amidst a mainly male team”.
This intentional family structure has nurtured both independence and discipline—a foundation for sustained excellence on and off the court.
5. Love and Resilience: Boyfriend Jalen Sera
Beyond the court and the family, Coco finds solace and balance in her relationship with Jalen Sera, a musician with whom she has been in a two-year relationship, confirmed in June 2025.
Coco revealed how Jalen supports her emotionally after matches:
“Honestly after a good match, I just talk to my boyfriend… When I lose, I would say just my boyfriend ’cause he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss.”
“He’s always telling me to trust the process… just know that I’ve already accomplished a lot…”
In the high-pressure world of elite tennis, that kind of grounding presence can be invaluable, helping sustain mental well-being through victories and setbacks.
6. What Next for Gauff?
As Coco progresses through the US Open, the success of her new partnership with MacMillan will take center stage. If the biomechanical adjustments to her serve stick—alongside her already evident athleticism and mental tenacity—she could be a formidable contender for another Grand Slam title.
Her long-term vision, bolstered by a stable family environment and a supportive partner, sets her up not just for success at this tournament, but for a sustainable career at the top.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s decision to change coaches on the eve of a Grand Slam speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence and willingness to embrace bold, strategic moves. With Gavin MacMillan focusing on technical refinement, her parents providing unwavering support, and her boyfriend offering emotional stability, Gauff is crystallizing into a champion in every sense—on and off the court.
Her performance at the 2025 US Open will not only reflect her athletic prowess, but the deep foundation of support, resilience, and clarity she continues to build around herself.
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