Aryna Sabalenka has stepped in with a supportive message for rival Coco Gauff as the American makes a bold move in her coaching setup just before the 2025 US Open. Speaking to reporters in New York, the World No. 1 reflected on her own experience working with Gavin MacMillan, the biomechanical expert Gauff has just added to her team, and sent well-wishes for Gauff’s upcoming journey.
How Does Coco Gauff’s Coaching Change Connect to Aryna Sabalenka’s Own Experience?
Gauff’s decision to split with coach Matt Daly only days ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year has sparked discussion in the tennis world. Daly had joined her camp in September 2024 following her separation from Brad Gilbert and played a role in guiding her to multiple titles, including her first WTA Finals trophy and her second Major at Roland Garros earlier this season.
Despite those highs, disappointing results at Wimbledon and in the lead-up tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati led to the end of their partnership. Gauff will now continue working with longtime coach Jean-Christophe Faurel while bringing in MacMillan, the same specialist who once turned around Sabalenka’s career at a low point by helping her overcome serving struggles.
Sabalenka, who famously struggled with a serve plagued by double-faults early in 2022, credited MacMillan with steering her back on course. “I’m really grateful for his help during really tough times. He really helped me with the serve. I really appreciate him for everything,” Sabalenka said during her US Open pre-tournament press conference.
Reflecting on how quickly she saw results, she added, “Everyone is different. I was really desperate for changes, and ready to change my serve and to get better and to finally get back on track with my serve. So for me, it was basically, like, couple of weeks, and I was sort of fixed.”
She closed her remarks with a message of encouragement for Gauff: “But everyone is different, and I wish them both the very best and hopefully everything can work out well for them.”
MORE: Coco Gauff Addresses ‘Very Sudden Decision’ With Aryna Sabalenka’s Former Serving Coach at US Open
Sabalenka will be making her eighth appearance in Flushing Meadows, where she is the top seed and defending champion. The Belarusian tennis star will take on Rebeka Masarova in the first round.
This will be just their second encounter on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka claimed the first in straight sets during the second round of the 2025 Berlin Open. Whoever comes through this opening clash will meet either Polina Kudermetova or Nuria Parrizas-Diaz in the next round.
