Coco Gauff’s ongoing battle with double faults resurfaced during her opening match in Rome, reigniting questions about her coaching direction. The two-time Grand Slam champion held a commanding 5-3 lead in the first set against Tereza Valentova when her serve betrayed her once more, double-faulting early in the second set.
Commentating for Sky Sports, former pro Liam Broady didn’t hold back in his critique of Gauff’s reaction. “I don’t like that self-talk, I have to say,” Broady observed. “You always do this; it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. You’ve got to stay strong; the second you give in to those inner voices, it’s big, big trouble.”
Gauff’s serve has been a persistent challenge throughout her career, reaching a critical point in 2025. Seeking a solution, she brought biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan on board just before the US Open. Early results showed promise, with gradual improvements suggesting the partnership might pay off.
But the Middle Eastern swing brought a harsh reality check. During her semi-final loss to Elina Svitolina in Dubai, Gauff’s frustration boiled over after another double fault. “I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for the last six months, and it’s not getting any better,” she told MacMillan courtside—a moment that sent shockwaves through the tennis world.
Despite that outburst, the pair have remained together, seemingly committed to the process. Yet with no clear turnaround in sight, doubts linger about whether a change is needed. Five months into the 2026 season, Gauff has reached just one WTA final—a loss to Aryna Sabalenka in Miami. Those results have dropped her to eighth in the Live WTA Race, putting her year-end finals spot in jeopardy.
While her struggles aren’t solely due to her serve or MacMillan, the numbers tell a stark story: no player on tour has hit more double faults this year than Gauff. Given that fixing this issue was a primary reason for hiring MacMillan, the argument for exploring a new approach grows louder by the week.
Intriguingly, top coach Wim Fissette—who guided Iga Swiatek to a Wimbledon title last season—is currently available. Whether Gauff decides to make that switch remains to be seen, but as the season progresses, it’s a move that could come sharply into focus. For now, the tennis world watches closely, wondering if a new voice might finally steady that serve.