Just days before the US Open begins, two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff has ended her partnership with coach Matt Daly. Although no official replacement has been announced, Gauff was recently seen training with biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, known for improving Aryna Sabalenka’s serve, indicating a strategic shift ahead of her tournament run.
Journalist Ben Rothenberg reported the coaching change on Wednesday, highlighting that the decision came recently but Daly expressed respect and positivity about his time working with Gauff.
Only have good things to say about Coco, enjoyed working with her.
—Matt Daly, Former Coach
Until Iga Swiatek’s recent victory in Cincinnati, Gauff held the No. 2 ranking in the world, but since her victory at Roland Garros in June, her singles performance has faltered. Early losses at Wimbledon to Dayana Yastremska and disappointing runs in Montreal and Cincinnati have raised questions about her current form. Gauff will look to improve on last year’s US Open achievement, where she reached the Round of 16, as she integrates new coaching expertise.
Insights from Renowned Coach Darren Cahill on Gauff’s Transition
Following the news of Gauff’s new coaching collaboration, seasoned coach Darren Cahill, who works with players Jannik Sinner and Simone Vagnozzi, offered his perspective during ESPN’s US Open coverage. Cahill suggested that MacMillan’s detailed and technical approach could be just the catalyst Gauff needs to refine her game further.
A lot of things add up and this could be a really good relationship. He’s very thorough ….I’ve spoken to him many, many times before and the fact that he’s got experience with different athletes from different sports, both male and female, he uses the new technology, he goes to the video a lot, really breaks down the biomechanics.
—Darren Cahill, Coach
MacMillan’s analytical style and use of technology previously helped Sabalenka correct serve issues and reach the top of the women’s game, setting a precedent for the kind of technical adjustment Gauff might benefit from as she prepares for Flushing Meadows.
Examining Gavin MacMillan’s Biomechanical Success With Aryna Sabalenka
Although Gauff secured her maiden French Open title this season, she has recently encountered difficulties with her serve. Matt Daly, noted for his proficiency with grips, initially boosted Gauff’s performance after their collaboration began at the China Open last year. However, MacMillan’s biomechanical expertise could target the mechanical flaws affecting Gauff’s serve consistency.
In 2022, MacMillan addressed Sabalenka’s persistent double fault problem by pointing to technical faults rather than psychological issues, countering the popular narrative around her struggles.
It was the phone call when I talked to her (Sabalenka) and said: ‘I understand this has got to be a really difficult time, but the thing I can promise you is that this isn’t mental, and if anybody is telling you that, just get up and walk away, and I can prove it. Your motion is so technically flawed- like I don’t know how you’re getting them in at all.’
—Gavin MacMillan, Biomechanics Expert
After adopting MacMillan’s recommendations, Sabalenka made a remarkable turnaround, finishing 2022 as the runner-up at the WTA Finals and rising to world No. 1 the following year. This level of success illustrates the potential impact of biomechanical coaching on high-level performance, offering hope that Gauff might experience similar gains through this change.
As Coco Gauff prepares for the US Open, her collaboration with MacMillan could signal a pivotal moment in her career. Whether this coaching adjustment leads to an immediate improvement in her serve or overall game remains to be seen, but the move underscores her commitment to refining her play and maintaining competitiveness among the sport’s elite.