WTA tennis news 2025 : Tennis fans were buzzing with curiosity and concern during the 2025 China Open in Beijing as Coco Gauff, the rising star of the WTA Tour, appeared without her biomechanics coach, Gavin MacMillan. The sudden absence sparked widespread speculation about the status of their working relationship and whether the two had parted ways after only a few weeks of collaboration. However, Gauff recently addressed these rumors in a pre-match press conference, putting all doubts to rest and reaffirming her partnership with MacMillan.
The Background: Why Gavin MacMillan Joined Gauff’s Team
Coco Gauff’s serve has been a notable challenge this season. Despite playing around 51 matches, she has struggled with consistency, committing 347 double faults. To address this critical issue, she brought in Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist well known for helping Aryna Sabalenka overcome similar serving problems. Gauff revealed that the decision to add MacMillan to her team was sudden but driven by the belief that his expertise could significantly improve her game.
At the 2025 US Open, Gauff showed glimpses of improvement in her serve, although she still struggled at times. MacMillan’s technical guidance was seen as a promising step toward reducing errors and increasing her serving consistency at major tournaments.
Speculations During the China Open
However, fans and commentators noticed that MacMillan was nowhere to be seen in Beijing during the China Open. This absence fueled rumors that the partnership had been short-lived or dissolved. Gauff’s performance in the tournament also raised questions as many wondered whether the missing coach’s absence impacted her mental and technical readiness.
Coco Gauff’s Clarification: Partnership Intact but Temporarily Apart
In response to the growing speculation, Gauff clarified, “I’m still working with Gavin, but he’s not here because we started last minute, so he had other plans for this part of the year. We’ll be working with each other right when I get home from here.” She emphasized that their collaboration remains ongoing despite the temporary separation during the tournament.
Gauff also shared insights into her mindset during this challenging period: “It was a good learning experience. For me, it was a tough challenge, I think mentally more so than anything, just kind of losing trust in a lot of things, trying to find that in the tournament. But I really do think that it gives me confidence for the future.” She highlighted the mental hurdles she faced while trying to regain confidence and trust in her game under pressure.
Gauff’s Road Ahead at the China Open and Beyond
As the defending champion, Gauff entered the China Open with high expectations but also with a sense of perspective. She stated that she views the remaining tournaments of the season almost as preseason preparation for the next year, aiming to build a stronger mental and physical foundation.
Her path in the tournament was challenging, with a second-round match against either Kamilla Rakhimova or Lucia Bronzetti. Further rounds potentially pit her against strong competitors like Belinda Bencic, Jelena Ostapenko, Leylah Fernandez, and perhaps a quarterfinal showdown with Elena Rybakina. The pressure to defend her title is significant, but Gauff’s focus remains on steady improvement and long-term success.
A Young Champion’s Resilience
Coco Gauff’s transparency regarding her coaching situation, coupled with her determined attitude, highlights the maturity of a young athlete navigating the complexities of elite competition. The partnership with biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan is a strategic effort to fine-tune Gauff’s serve—a crucial weapon in her arsenal.
While the temporary absence of her coach during Beijing raised eyebrows, Gauff’s reassurance that they continue to work together underscores her commitment to growth and adaptation. Fans and followers of WTA tennis can expect an exciting journey ahead as Coco Gauff strives to build on her successes with confidence and resilience.
