Just days before the 2025 US Open, Coco Gauff arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium’s practice session with a new coach, Gavin McMillan, marking a sudden departure from her previous coaching team. This unexpected decision unfolds shortly after she won the 2025 French Open and emphasizes her determination to refine her game at a critical moment.
Previously, Gauff had been working with Matt Daly since September 2024, alongside JC Faurel, who originally coached her during her early career and rejoined her team in spring 2024. However, news broke during a packed public practice hitting session with Elina Svitolina that both Daly and Faurel would no longer be coaching Gauff. Although some confusion arose when Christopher Eubanks, Gauff’s friend and ESPN contributor, suggested Faurel might remain involved, it has been confirmed that McMillan is now her primary coach.
Gavin McMillan Brings Proven Expertise from the WTA Tour
At 21 years old, Coco Gauff’s selection of Gavin McMillan as her new coach could signal a strategic step to address specific aspects of her game. McMillan is known on the WTA circuit for his work as a biomedical trainer, having previously assisted top player Aryna Sabalenka. His expertise notably contributed to improving Sabalenka’s serve, which had been plagued by accuracy problems and double faults.
With Gauff’s serve becoming a concern lately, McMillan’s appointment appears targeted. During the practice on August 20, McMillan was actively engaged, offering technical advice and spending focused time with Gauff as the session shifted from Arthur Ashe Stadium to an outdoor court despite rain. This hands-on approach underscores the urgency to adjust and enhance Gauff’s serve before the grand slam tournament.
The Significance of This Coaching Decision for Gauff’s Future
Making such a coaching change so close to a major event is rare, demonstrating Gauff’s strong commitment to evolving despite her impressive accomplishments, which include two Grand Slam singles titles, a Grand Slam doubles championship, and a WTA Finals trophy. Her willingness to take bold steps illustrates her motivation to break through performance hurdles and remain competitive at the highest level.
As Gauff partners with McMillan, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this new collaboration influences her play throughout the US Open and beyond. The change reflects both her confidence and readiness to adapt in pursuit of continued success on the global tennis stage.
“2023 US Open champ and 2025 French Open champ Coco Gauff is parting ways with her coaches Matt Daly and JC Faurel and replacing them with Gavin McMillan, per ESPN Gauff has been struggling with her serve.” —Adam Zagoria, Sports Journalist