World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made headlines with a playful jab at her new mentor, Max Mirnyi, during the 2025 US Open, humorously dubbing their team “Beauty & the Beast” after her first-round win over Rebeka Masarova (7-5, 6-1) on August 24. The comment came as Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3, linked up with Sabalenka’s former biomechanics coach, Gavin MacMillan, to address her serving struggles, adding intrigue to their rivalry ahead of a potential US Open showdown.
Sabalenka’s Playful Remark
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka was asked by Pam Shriver about Mirnyi, a former doubles champion and fellow Belarusian, spotted in her coaching box. Responding with her trademark wit, Sabalenka quipped, “Now you can call our team Beauty & the Beast, I guess,” sparking laughter from the crowd and her team. The remark highlighted her chemistry with Mirnyi, who joined her team to bolster her title defense after losses in the Australian Open and French Open finals. Sabalenka’s 19 winners and 15/17 net points against Masarova showed her aggressive form, though she acknowledged Mirnyi’s role in stabilizing her mindset.
Gauff’s Coaching Switch
Gauff’s decision to hire MacMillan, who rebuilt Sabalenka’s serve in 2022, came after a season plagued by 320 double faults, including 23 in a single Canadian Open match. Sabalenka praised MacMillan’s impact, saying, “I was desperate… the moment we started working, I felt a difference.” Gauff, who parted with coach Matt Daly, aims to emulate Sabalenka’s serving turnaround, which led to three Grand Slam titles. Fans on X noted the irony, with one post stating, “Aryna’s old coach helping Coco? That’s a plot twist!” (@TennisFanUSA, August 23, 2025). Gauff’s first-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic tests her progress.
Broader Context and Rivalry
Sabalenka’s cheeky comment and Gauff’s coaching change underscore their competitive dynamic, intensified by Gauff’s 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 French Open final win over Sabalenka in June 2025. Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors in that match prompted her to add Mirnyi, while Gauff’s serving woes led to MacMillan. Their paths could cross in the US Open semifinals, with Sabalenka facing a tougher draw, including Elena Rybakina. Like Luke Littler navigating darts scrutiny, both players handle pressure with resilience. Sabalenka’s lighthearted jab at Mirnyi reflects her confidence, but Gauff’s new coaching edge could challenge her reign.
