World No. 3 Coco Gauff has made a significant coaching change just prior to the 2025 U.S. Open by parting ways with her longtime coaches Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel. Seeking to rebound from recent struggles, the 21-year-old has appointed Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics expert, as her new coach in hopes of regaining consistency.
Replacing Longtime Mentors with a Biomechanics Specialist
Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel played crucial roles in Gauff’s ascent from a promising teenager to a Grand Slam champion. Faurel focused on building her mental toughness, while Daly refined her technical skills, particularly her serving and grip. Their combined guidance helped Gauff claim the 2023 U.S. Open and the French Open earlier this year.
Despite these past achievements, Gauff’s recent form has faltered. After winning in Paris, she faced a disappointing first-round loss at Wimbledon and an early departure at the National Bank Open in Montreal. At the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, she was eliminated by Jasmine Paolini, succumbing to recurring issues such as committing 16 double faults.
Gauff’s 2025 season record stands at a respectable 35-12, but a concerning 5-4 after the French Open highlights the inconsistency she must overcome heading into the U.S. Open, her next major challenge.
Introducing Advanced Technical Insights with Gavin MacMillan
Gavin MacMillan, founder of the Sport Science Lab, brings a fresh, scientific perspective to Gauff’s training. Known for his data-driven biomechanical approach, MacMillan has aided several athletes, including Aryna Sabalenka’s rise to world No. 1, by analyzing movement and technique in detail.
His expertise directly addresses Gauff’s current weaknesses, notably her second serve and forehand under pressure, which have increasingly undermined her game. Tennis experts such as Rick Macci have emphasized the urgency of fixing these technical flaws, warning that Gauff is at a “career crossroads,” where failure to adapt could jeopardize her standing.
Beyond mechanical adjustments, Gauff has also revealed the emotional toll of high expectations, which has led to fatigue. She hopes that MacMillan’s new methods will offer not only technical improvement but also renewed mental clarity and resilience.
What This Change Means for Gauff’s Future
With MacMillan joining her team just before the U.S. Open, Gauff is determined to move past recent setbacks and challenge strongly for the title. This strategic shift highlights her willingness to evolve and manage pressure as she aims to maintain her elite position on the tennis circuit.
The coming months will test Gauff’s ability to integrate these coaching changes under the intense spotlight of major tournaments, marking a critical phase in her professional journey.