Coco Gauff has fired her primary coach, and that decision is about to come under scrutiny at the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Her new coach, Gavin MacMillan, is a biomechanics specialist Gauff is hoping can help her fix ongoing struggles with her serve.
Seeded No. 3, Gauff will open singles play Tuesday, Aug. 26 against Ajla Tomljanovic, the unranked Australian, at a site where the American captured her first Grand Slam title. Gauff won the US Open in 2023. Last year, she lost in the Round of 16, but that early exit and service issues are no reason for doom and gloom.
She won the French Open in June by beating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set final. And it’s worth mentioning that MacMillan, Gauff’s new coach, previously helped Sabalenka with her serve.
How to watch Coco Gauff at US Open Round 1
Match time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo
Opponent: Ajla Tomljanović of Australia. Gauff and Tomljanović have played only once, with Gauff winning that match at the Paris Olympics 6-3, 6-0.
Watch the US Open with ESPN+
Coco Gauff: What to know
Gauff, who won the US Open in 2023, is seeded third. She recently parted ways with her primary coach, Matt Daly, and hired biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan as she continues to struggle with her serve. Gauff and her first-round opponent, Ajla Tomljanović of Australia, have played only once, with Gauff winning that match at the Paris Olympics 6-3, 6-0.