Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, sent shockwaves through the tennis world by parting ways with coach Matt Daly just days before the 2025 US Open, a move announced on August 20, 2025. Daly, who began working with Gauff in September 2024, issued his first response to the split, expressing admiration and positivity. Speaking to Bounces, he said, “Only have good things to say about Coco, enjoyed working with her.” The abrupt decision, which saw Gauff replace Daly with biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan while retaining Jean-Christophe Faurel, aims to address her ongoing serving struggles as the tournament looms on August 24.
Daly’s Gracious Response
Daly, known as a grip specialist, joined Gauff after her split with Brad Gilbert and helped her achieve significant milestones, including the 2024 China Open and WTA Finals titles, and her second Grand Slam at the 2025 French Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka. His technical work on Gauff’s serve and forehand initially reduced her double faults from 430 in 2024 to under 4 per match early in 2025. However, recent setbacks, including 42 double faults across three Canadian Open matches and 16 in a Cincinnati loss to Jasmine Paolini, likely prompted the change. Daly confirmed the split was recent but declined to elaborate, leaving further comments to Gauff.
The Timing and Context
The decision, made on the eve of the US Open, surprised analysts, with tennis legend Rick Macci calling MacMillan’s addition a potential “career changer” (@RickMacci, August 20, 2025). Gauff, who leads the WTA with 320 double faults in 2025, turned to MacMillan, previously credited for fixing Sabalenka’s serve in 2022, to refine her biomechanics. Social media reactions were mixed, with one fan noting, “Daly did so much for Coco, but her serve needs MacMillan’s expertise” (@TennisFanUSA, August 20, 2025). Gauff has not yet publicly addressed the split, focusing instead on practice with MacMillan at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Looking Forward
Daly’s positive remarks reflect a professional parting, akin to the resilience shown by athletes like Emma Raducanu, navigating coaching changes, or Luke Littler, handling darts scrutiny. Gauff, seeded third behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, faces a favorable early draw but potential semifinal clashes with top rivals. With MacMillan’s technical guidance and her home-crowd advantage, Gauff aims to overcome her serving woes and replicate her 2023 US Open triumph. Daly’s gracious exit underscores their successful tenure, setting the stage for Gauff’s bold new chapter in New York.
