Bold takeaway: even elite players can struggle with the basics, and the way they train may be the missing piece behind a serve that won’t cooperate. And this is the part most people miss: refining technique often hinges as much on practice structure as on raw power.
Former two-time Grand Slam champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov is puzzled by Coco Gauff’s serving issues and is scrutinizing how she trains. Through the first two months of the new season, Gauff has racked up a worrying number of double faults, totaling 103 across 14 matches. In last week’s Dubai semifinal at the WTA 1000 event, she uncorked a staggering 48 double faults, setting a new record for the most in a single WTA event this year.
Despite enlisting biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan last September to help stabilize her serve, the shake-ups haven’t produced the hoped-for results yet. Kafelnikov, a former world No. 1, isn’t convinced the approach is working, and he’s asking pointed questions about the training structure.
Elena Dementieva, another Russian tennis legend, added her perspective, arguing that Gauff’s issues extend beyond the serve. She pointed to a shaky forehand as a secondary problem that, if left unaddressed, could keep Gauff from reaching the very pinnacle of the game. Dementieva noted that Gauff currently relies heavily on a powerful backhand, exceptional fitness, and strong mental character, but acknowledged that competing at the No. 1 level demands more than just those pillars.
At the Dubai start, Gauff herself stated she was trusting the process with MacMillan, emphasizing patience and gradual improvement as part of her work together.
Thoughtful takeaway questions to spark discussion: Is it possible to overhaul a high-level player’s mechanics without overhauling their training tempo and volume? Should a coach prioritize sheer repetition over micro-adjustments when a technique repeatedly breaks down under match pressure? And at what point do we weigh biomechanics tweaks against natural instinct under stress? Share your view: do you think Gauff’s current path will lead to a breakthrough, or is there a fundamental shift needed in her training game plan?
