Coco Gauff’s transformation at the US Open has been nothing short of remarkable, and the American star is giving significant credit to coach Gavin MacMillan for engineering her resurgence. Following her ninth consecutive straight-sets victory against Mirra Andreeva, Gauff opened up about the technical and psychological shifts that have redefined her game this fortnight.
Serving with Confidence
The improvements have been comprehensive across Gauff’s arsenal. MacMillan’s work on her serve has restored the confidence that proved instrumental in her dominant run through the early rounds. Beyond just technical adjustments to her service motion, the coach has helped Gauff develop a mental framework that allows her to execute under pressure. “My nervous system and knowing that even when the pressure is there, I am able to rely on a lot of different things to win points in many different ways,” Gauff explained, highlighting how MacMillan’s approach extends beyond stroke mechanics into the psychological realm.
A Complete Overhaul
The revitalization extends to Gauff’s forehand and footwork, two critical components that have noticeably sharpened during her run in New York. These refinements have proven decisive in her path through the draw, culminating in her quarter-final appearance—marking her 12th major quarter-final overall. The combination of improved court positioning and more aggressive shot-making has given Gauff multiple pathways to victory in each contest.
MacMillan’s coaching philosophy appears centered on restoring Gauff’s belief in her ability to win through varied approaches rather than relying on a single dominant weapon. This flexibility has been the hallmark of her recent matches, allowing her to navigate different opponents’ styles while maintaining her aggressive intent. The coaching partnership has clearly struck a chord, with Gauff’s willingness to play without hesitation or regret becoming increasingly evident as the tournament progresses.