Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has shared an insightful assessment of Coco Gauff’s new coach, Gavin MacMillan. The American prodigy is collaborating with the biomechanics guru to refine her gameplay and improve her erratic serve.
Sabalenka, who clinched the US Open title and added three Grand Slam trophies to her cabinet, credited MacMillan for her improved serve after working with him in 2022.
Gauff, fresh from securing her second singles Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this year, finds herself at a pivotal juncture in her career. The 21-year-old has parted ways with Matthew Daly and brought MacMillan on board just before the US Open, aiming to replicate her 2023 triumph at Flushing Meadows as a teenager.
Sabalenka’s endorsement of MacMillan will undoubtedly bolster Gauff’s morale as she embarks on a similar journey of refining her technique. “Yeah, I’m really grateful for his help during really tough times,” Sabalenka expressed regarding her stint with MacMillan.
“So for me, it was basically, like, couple of weeks, and I was sort of fixed.
“But everyone is different, and I wish them both the very best and hopefully everything can work out well for them.”
During her collaboration with MacMillan, Sabalenka participated in several tournaments and when questioned about the transition, she remarked that it wasn’t overly challenging—it was all about practice and repetition.
“You know, for me wasn’t really hard, because I tried literally everything, and nothing would help me to fix my serve,” she elaborated. “It was the last step before I would say, ‘Okay, bye-bye, tennis.’
“I was so desperate, so I wasn’t really doubting my decision. The moment we start working, I felt like, Okay, there is something. I definitely have a better feeling on my serve. And I just trusted the process, trusted myself.
“Like the first tournament I played, I already felt the difference and I felt, Okay, I’m getting there. So for me was just it was about repetitions, a little bit of a time, and, like, full commitment to whatever he was saying.”
Gauff, currently ranked world No. 3, has been dealt a favourable hand in the draw.
The American star is set to face Ajla Tomljanovic in the opening round, with a potential fourth-round clash against Naomi Osaka on the cards if both players advance, and possibly a quarter-final encounter with Venus Williams, should the seasoned pro make a magical run.
Looking ahead, Gauff might square off against Iga Świątek in the semi-finals, vying for a place in the final where Aryna Sabalenka could be her opponent.
