At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. Rising swiftly through the ranks to claim the world number three spot, she continues to evolve her game with a blend of talent, work ethic, and strategic decisions off the court. Her latest move—hiring technique coach Gavin MacMillan—signals a fresh and focused approach as she prepares for the upcoming US Open and the next stretch of her career.

Gauff’s recent challenges with serving inconsistencies, particularly her struggle with double faults, served as a wake-up call. In a match at the Cincinnati Open, she uncharacteristically committed 16 double faults, a staggering number that highlighted a glaring weakness in an otherwise solid game. Determined to address this critical issue, Gauff sought help from MacMillan, whose expertise in biomechanics and technical finesse had previously transformed the serve of another top player—Aryna Sabalenka.

MacMillan brings a reputation for precision coaching grounded in scientific principles and detailed analysis of technique. He played an instrumental role in helping Sabalenka, once known for a powerful but erratic serve, refine her motion, improve consistency, and gain control—all crucial factors that propelled Sabalenka from a top-10 player to a Grand Slam champion. Gauff sees great potential in applying the same approach to her own serve, understanding that a dependable and aggressive service game is essential at the elite level, where margins are razor-thin.

This decision also represents a notable shakeup in Gauff’s coaching team. She parted ways with Matt Daly, a grip specialist who had contributed to her ascent, including her memorable French Open victory just months earlier. While some might view the change as risky given the recent success, Gauff is clearly focused on long-term growth rather than short-term comfort. She recognizes that elite athletes often must pivot and experiment with new coaching influences to break through plateaus and confront emerging challenges.

Beyond technical adjustments, bringing MacMillan onboard is a move to bolster her confidence and mental resilience. The psychological demands of professional tennis cannot be overstated, especially at Grand Slam tournaments where the pressure and stakes reach their peak. With MacMillan’s structured guidance, Gauff aims to cultivate a more composed, focused mindset—one that will help sustain peak performance throughout tough matches.

Gauff’s journey in tennis has been remarkable from the start. She burst onto the scene as a prodigious teenager, famously defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 when she was only 15. Since then, her trajectory has been marked by steady improvement, a growing competitive toughness, and a fearless attitude. Her rise mirrors historical patterns seen in top players who continually seek new approaches to refine their craft—just as legends like Serena Williams famously experimented with coaching styles, fitness regimes, and gameplay tactics throughout their careers.

Historically, tennis has evolved significantly in its embrace of sports science and coaching specialization. While early coaching often focused primarily on general strategy and fitness, today’s professionals engage specialists in biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, and technology. This modern coaching ecosystem can be traced back to pioneers like Nick Bollettieri, whose academy nurtured countless champions by focusing on holistic player development. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have long exemplified the benefits of comprehensive teams, blending experienced coaches and technical experts to maximize longevity and success.

Gauff’s recruitment of MacMillan fits perfectly into this contemporary trend, highlighting how the game’s margins increasingly depend on meticulous technique and physical optimization. It also reflects the heightened global competition on the WTA Tour, where younger players rise quickly and veterans continuously reinvent themselves.

Looking ahead, Gauff’s path will be fascinating to watch. With MacMillan’s insights sharpening her serve and underpinning her mental game, she equips herself to tackle the pressure cooker environment of the US Open with renewed confidence. Her willingness to embrace change and tackle weaknesses head-on bodes well for her future as a consistent Grand Slam contender and potential multiple-major champion.

In a sport where innovation, adaptation, and mental toughness define sustained greatness, Coco Gauff’s latest coaching move underscores her maturity and ambition. As she prepares to serve up some of the best tennis of her career, one thing is certain: she’s blending youthful fearlessness with a strategic mindset, setting the stage for what could be an even more impressive chapter in her burgeoning legacy.