Gauff enters the US Open with a new biomechanics coach as she continues to tackle serve issues
Coco Gauff’s bid to defend her top-level form at the US Open has taken a new turn, with the third-seeded American player working under a new mentor, biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, after parting ways with her long-time primary coach. The move comes as Gauff aims to refresh her approach to serving while she competes at Flushing Meadows.
In her opening match, Gauff outlasted Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7 (7), 7-5 in a gripping three-setter that underscored both her resilience and the ongoing serve struggles she’s trying to overcome. The lengthy duel featured long rallies and a serve that was far from flawless but still capable of carrying her to victory when it counted.
Speaking after the match, Gauff acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new coaching setup over the past 5-6 days, calling the transition “really tough and mentally exhausting,” but staying focused on gradual improvement with each outing.
The match was a microcosm of their exchanges: both players had trouble holding serve, yet both could unleash power from the baseline. The pair combined for 115 unforced errors but tallied 41 winners, with Gauff contributing 29 of those. Gauff’s serve was a mixed bag, producing 10 double faults but also four aces and speeds topping 110 mph.
Ultimately, Gauff leaned on a signature backhand to seal the win for her 7-5 final-set point after fighting through a tight finish. The three-hour-plus match showcased her stay-strong mentality as she navigates a tough learning curve with her new coaching arrangement.
Gauff’s next challenge comes quickly: she’s slated to meet Donna Vekic in the second round on Thursday, Aug. 28. The pair have met only once before, a Paris Olympics victory for Gauff, 6-3, 6-0.
What this means going forward
– The coaching change signals a renewed emphasis on the serve, a key area Gauff has identified as needing improvement. MacMillan’s biomechanics background may provide new technical angles to refine her motion, rhythm, and timing.
– Despite the occasional rough spell with serves, Gauff’s mental toughness and ability to win tight sets highlight her ongoing potential to contend deep into the tournament.
– With her 2023 US Open title in mind and momentum from a disciplined, improvement-focused approach, Gauff remains a strong title contender, provided she continues adapting efficiently under the new coaching setup.
Summary
Gauff’s US Open begins with a high-stakes transition to a biomechanics-led coaching team, paired with a hard-fought victory over Tomljanovic. The match demonstrated both persistent serve issues and a capacity to prevail when it matters most, setting the stage for an intriguing second-round clash with Vekic.
Editor’s note
If you’re following Gauff’s progress, watch how the serve evolves over the next few matches as MacMillan’s influence takes fuller effect. A smoother serve combined with her elite baseline game could elevate her title defenses and reaffirm her position among the contenders at major tournaments.