Coco Gauff’s double faults raise fresh coaching questions

“I don’t like that self-talk, I have to say,” said Broady.

“You always do this; it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“You have done this, you don’t always do it.

“You’ve got to stay strong; the second you give in to those inner voices, it’s big, big trouble.”

Gauff has had long-standing difficulties with her serve and hit a tipping point in 2025.

She turned to Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist, just before the US Open in an attempt to address the issue. Progress was gradual, but there were signs of improvement at first.

But then came another rough patch during the Middle Eastern swing. After double-faulting again during her semi-final loss to Elina Svitolina in Dubai, Gauff voiced her frustration directly at MacMillan: “I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for the last six months, and it’s not getting any better.”

The pair didn’t split after those comments and seem committed for now. But with no clear resolution in sight, questions remain about whether a change is needed.

Should Coco Gauff and Gavin MacMillan call time on their partnership?

Five months into the 2026 season, Gauff has reached just one WTA final, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in Miami.

Those results have seen her drop to eighth in the ‘Live WTA Race’, putting her place at the year-end finals at risk.

While it’s not all down to MacMillan or her serve, the numbers haven’t improved as hoped.

No player on tour has hit more double faults this year than Gauff.

Considering fixing that was a key reason for hiring MacMillan, there’s a growing argument for trying a new approach.

Wim Fissette is among the top coaches currently available. He guided Iga Swiatek to a Wimbledon title just last season.

Whether Gauff decides to make that switch remains to be seen, but it’s something that could come into focus as the season goes on.

Gauff battles through to third round in Rome

Gauff didn’t have it all her own way in the second round, but still managed to come through with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Valentova.

Both players had issues on serve, but Gauff did enough to move into the third round.

Gauff’s next opponent will be either Solana Sierra or Anhelina Kalinina.