Full Breakdown
Coco Gauff's Serve: A Focus on Improvement for 2025
9/18/2025, 2:53:30 PM
Current Challenges in Gauff's Serving Game
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis star and two-time Grand Slam champion, has faced significant challenges with her serve throughout 2025. Following her victory at the French Open, Gauff's performance declined sharply, highlighted by a first-round exit at Wimbledon and a series of struggles during the North American hard-court swing. Notably, she recorded an alarming 23 double faults in a single match against Danielle Collins at the Canadian Open, contributing to her total of 347 double faults for the year—far exceeding her closest competitor, Marta Kostyuk, who had 241.
Coaching Changes and Technical Adjustments
In response to her serving difficulties, Gauff made a pivotal decision to part ways with her former coach, Matt Daly, and enlist biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan. MacMillan, known for his successful work with Aryna Sabalenka, aims to refine Gauff's technique and enhance her serving capabilities. Rick Macci, a legendary coach who has worked with the Williams sisters, has expressed optimism about Gauff's potential to "flip the double fault script" and improve her serve significantly by the end of 2025.
Macci has suggested that Gauff should adopt a platform stance instead of her current pinpoint stance to help reprogram her muscle memory and improve her serve's vertical component. He believes that with the right adjustments, Gauff can develop a more powerful and consistent serve, potentially reaching speeds of 125 miles per hour.
Anticipated Improvements and Competitive Landscape
As Gauff prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the China Open and the WTA Finals, expectations are high for her to demonstrate improvements in her serving game. Macci predicts that Gauff will not only reduce her double faults but also increase her first-serve percentage, which is crucial for her success in tight matches. The ability to add variety to her serves, incorporating different spins and placements, could further enhance her competitiveness against top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Criticism and Support from the Tennis Community
While Gauff's struggles have drawn criticism, including comparisons of her serving technique to a flawed basketball shooting motion, there remains a strong belief in her potential. Former coach Rennae Stubbs acknowledged the challenges Gauff faces but praised her exceptional backhand. Steve Johnson, another American tennis player, emphasized that Gauff's journey is far from over, noting her resilience and determination to improve.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Gauff's focus on her serve is expected to yield significant growth. With the guidance of MacMillan and her commitment to refining her technique, Gauff is poised to transform her greatest weakness into a formidable asset. The tennis world will be closely watching as she continues to evolve and strive for excellence on the court.
