Following her epic win in Paris back in June, Coco Gauff’s stars haven’t quite aligned on the court since. Double faults and inconsistent serves have led to a string of underwhelming results. Thankfully, she seems to have rediscovered her spark, thanks to a stunning triumph in Wuhan this month. Behind this resurgence, however, stands a guiding light who has been instrumental in shaping her recent form.

Two months ago, Gauff brought on a new coach — Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics trainer previously associated with World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. After spending significant time working together, the two-time Grand Slam champion has now opened up about the experience.

MacMillan joined Gauff’s team in August, just before the US Open, replacing her former coach Matthew Daly. The primary goal behind this change was to address her serving inconsistencies — particularly the double faults that had plagued much of her season. While her US Open campaign ended early with a Round of 16 exit, Gauff quickly turned things around, reaching the semifinals in China and then lifting her second WTA title of 2025 in Wuhan.

WUHAN, CHINA – OCTOBER 08: Coco Gauff of United States returns a shot in the Women s Singles Round of 32 match against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan on day 5 of 2025 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 8, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111595888941

In an interview with The National on October 20, Gauff reflected on her decision to hire MacMillan. After learning that he had parted ways with Sabalenka, she shared, “I just felt like I don’t want to waste any more time,” adding, “I knew I had to make a quick decision because I knew he would be pretty sought out after.”

Describing MacMillan’s work on her biomechanics, she likened it to “learning a new language.” Gauff emphasized that his serving strategy required time to take effect — something that wasn’t fully possible before the US Open.

“Obviously, the US Open was super tough for me mentally, but I definitely think it was the right decision, even though I maybe wouldn’t have got the result that I hoped for,” she said. “But in the long run, I’m going to look back and be happy that I made that decision in that moment of time.”

Her pattern of success following coaching changes is becoming quite striking. In 2023, after hiring Brad Gilbert, Gauff lifted her maiden Grand Slam title in New York. The following year, she switched to Matt Daly and went on to win in Beijing and at the WTA Finals. This season, just before the US Open, she replaced Daly with MacMillan — and since then, she has won 12 of her 14 matches. It’s a promising transition as she builds momentum for her next big challenge in Riyadh.

Coco Gauff picks up momentum ahead of the WTA Finals

Gauff’s Wuhan victory has once again placed her firmly in contention for the WTA Finals title. In the final, she defeated compatriot and close friend Jessica Pegula to claim her first WTA 500 title. Last year, she made her tournament debut and reached the semifinals.

Her next target is clear — reclaiming the championship in Riyadh. Last November, Gauff became the first American to win the year-end event since Serena Williams in 2014, defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng in a tense three-set final.

After sealing that victory 3–6, 6–4, 7–6(2), she said, “I know I was like a couple points away from losing, but I just tried to stay in the moment, honestly, and I’m really proud of myself.” She added, “I never gave up.”

This time, too, her approach remains grounded. Reflecting on her Wuhan win and upcoming campaign, Gauff admitted, “It’s a pretty tough title to defend, given that you’re playing the top eight players in the world.” Yet, she remains focused on her immediate goals, saying, “I’m just going to go in with no expectations. I just want to make it out of my group. That’s what my goal was last year.”

With form, confidence, and renewed guidance on her side, it will be intriguing to see if the former World No.2 can recreate her magic once again in Riyadh.