Aryna Sabalenka Reacts Gracefully as Coco Gauff Enlists Her Former Coach Ahead of the US Open
New York City — August 2025 — Just days before the start of the US Open, WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has responded with professionalism and grace to news that Coco Gauff, the tournament’s defending champion, has hired Gavin MacMillan—a biomechanics expert who played a crucial role in helping Sabalenka fix her serve issues in 2022.
A Warming of Rivalry
At the US Open’s media day, Sabalenka was asked for her thoughts on Gauff’s strategic hire. Without hesitation, she offered a warm and gracious response:
“I wish them both the very best. Hopefully, everything can work out well for them.”
This comes at a pivotal moment—Gauff, ranked No. 3, made the bold decision to switch coaches on the eve of the tournament, moving on from Matt Daly and bringing in MacMillan to address persistent serve issues.
Sabalenka’s Personal Connection to MacMillan’s Expertise
Sabalenka’s praise for MacMillan isn’t mere formality. She credits the coach with helping her rediscover her confidence and form during a crisis:
- She described her serve troubles as the “last step before I would say, ‘bye-bye, tennis.’” But within weeks of working with MacMillan, she noticed a dramatic shift, saying, “I definitely have a better feeling about my serve.”
- A tennis journalist further revealed that Sabalenka saw a “big difference” in as little as two weeks of working with MacMillan.
Now, Gauff faces the same technical hurdle — a serve that has resulted in 320 double faults this season alone, the most on the WTA Tour.
The Stakes at Flushing Meadows
The stakes are high on both sides. Sabalenka arrives in New York as the reigning US Open champion, chasing the rare feat of defending her title — something no woman has accomplished since Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014.
Meanwhile, Gauff, despite her earlier Grand Slam success this year—winning the French Open—has continued to be haunted by erratic serving. Her choice to hire MacMillan represents not only a technical fix but a bold gamble ahead of a major tournament.
Gauff’s First Round: Mixed Results but Hope Remains
Gauff’s first-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic confirmed that the transformation is a work in progress:
- She double-faulted ten times and was broken six times, although she managed to scrape through a 6–4, 6–7(2), 7–5 win.
- Despite the rocky start, she acknowledged the changes were “really tough” and “mentally exhausting,” but emphasized her desire to improve with each match.
- Tennis legend Rick Macci was optimistic, suggesting that Gauff’s serve may one day become the best on tour.
Sabalenka’s Mindset: Focused on Her Own Path
Even as attention inevitably shifts toward Gauff’s coaching revamp, Sabalenka remains firmly focused on her own goals:
- She acknowledged the pressure of defending a Grand Slam title but confirmed her optimism, saying her ambitions include achieving world No. 1 for the season’s close.
- Reflecting on her journey, she reaffirmed that her experience with MacMillan taught her the value of full commitment to technical change—and she clearly hopes Gauff’s path forward can mirror that transformation.
What This Means for Tennis Fans
This coaching subplot adds rich narrative intrigue to the 2025 US Open:
- For Gauff, it’s not just about defending her title, but fixing the technical inconsistency that has marred her season.
- For Sabalenka, it’s both a challenge and a reminder of how far she’s journeyed.
- For fans, it’s a compelling storyline of coaching legacies, strategic gambles, and rivalry shaped not just by talent—but by biomechanical precision.
Final Take
Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction is the epitome of professionalism—supportive and understanding, yet quietly confident in her own footing. She knows too well the catalyst MacMillan can be; now, as her fiercest competitor steps into that dynamic as well, the stage is set for high drama at Flushing Meadows.
Will Gauff recapture her serving form in time? Can Sabalenka fend off her challengers while defending her crown? This US Open promises more than aces — it’s going to serve up a masterclass in coaching and resilience
Leave a Reply