World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka expressed genuine support for her top rival Coco Gauff after Gauff enlisted Sabalenka’s former biomechanics coach, Gavin MacMillan, to address her serving struggles ahead of the 2025 US Open, which began August 24. In a press conference following her first-round win over Rebeka Masarova (7-5, 6-1), Sabalenka shared her positive sentiments, highlighting MacMillan’s transformative impact on her own game and wishing Gauff success in their competitive rivalry.
Sabalenka’s Supportive Stance
When asked about Gauff working with MacMillan, who helped Sabalenka reduce her double faults starting in August 2022, Sabalenka responded warmly: “I think it’s great. He helped me so much with my serve. I was desperate back then, and the moment we started working, I felt a difference” (Tennis.com, August 24, 2025). She added, “I wish Coco the best. It’s great to see her trying to improve, and I hope it works out for her” (UbiTennis.net, August 24, 2025) (web:0, web:3). Sabalenka’s comments reflect a gracious attitude, despite their fierce rivalry, marked by Gauff’s 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 win over Sabalenka in the 2025 French Open final (Sportskeeda, August 23, 2025) (web:4).
MacMillan’s Impact and Gauff’s Move
MacMillan’s work with Sabalenka in 2022 was pivotal, cutting her 440 double faults that year and contributing to her three Grand Slam titles, including the 2024 US Open (Wikipedia). Gauff, who led the WTA with 320 double faults in 2025, including 23 in a single Canadian Open match, sought MacMillan’s expertise after parting with coach Matt Daly (Tennis.com). Sabalenka acknowledged Gauff’s serving woes, noting, “It’s tough when the serve isn’t clicking, but Gavin’s the guy to fix it” (UbiTennis.net, August 24, 2025) (web:3). Gauff’s first-round match against Ajla Tomljanovic tests her progress, with fans on X buzzing: “Aryna’s class act for supporting Coco’s new coach!” (@TennisFanUSA, August 24, 2025) (post:2).
Broader Context and Rivalry
Sabalenka’s supportive remarks align with her softened stance toward rivals, as seen in her improved relationship with Iga Swiatek, with whom she practiced and filmed a TikTok at the WTA Finals (TennisInfinity.com, January 14, 2025) (web:1). Her rivalry with Gauff, intensified by their 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open finals, could see a semifinal clash at Flushing Meadows. Like Luke Littler’s graciousness in darts or Emma Raducanu’s coaching adjustments, Sabalenka’s positivity underscores her maturity. As she defends her title under new mentor Max Mirnyi, her encouragement of Gauff reflects confidence and sportsmanship in a high-stakes season.
