Serena Williams’ ex-hitting partner and Naomi Osaka’s former coach Sascha Bajin has made himself available to Coco Gauff after she decided to make a coaching change.
After not having the summer she wanted, the American tennis star put an end to her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert.
Shortly after hiring Andre Agassi’s former coach in July 2023, the 20-year-old won two biggest titles of her career as she became a WTA 1000 champion in Cincinnati and also a Grand Slam winner in front of her home fans at the US Open. But around the same time this year, the current world No. 6 wasn’t able to replicate her success on the biggest stage after seeing her campaigns at Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics and the US Open come to an end in the round-of-16.
“Thanks to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort. Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career,” Gilbert announced earlier this week.
The 20-year-old confirmed it was true, writing: “Thank you @bgtennisnation! We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!”
On Instagram, a Gauff reel was posted. In the comment section, one person tagged Bajin and he very directly responded: “I’m ready. They just need to call.”
Sascha Bajin comments under my IG reel that he is “ready” to coach Coco Gauff 👀 pic.twitter.com/yJJe7p0n6P
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) September 19, 2024
In the past, Bajin was Williams’ hitting partner for several years – guided Osaka to her first two Grand Slams – and also worked with Karolina Pliskova, Dayana Yastremska and Kristina Mladenovic.
Sascha Bajin and Naomi Osaka© Sascha Bajin/Instagram – Fair Use
Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci explains what Gauff needs
In the last couple of months, the American’s serve has been subpar and it appears that she is dealing with some kind of a mental block. During a surprise US Open round-of-16 loss to Emma Navarro, the former world No. 2 hit a stunning 19 double faults and allowed 12 break points – of which four were converted.
Throughout last year, there was a lot of talk that Gauff’s forehand needs to be modified and Macci was one of the most outspoken about it. Now, Williams’ former coach thinks it’s time for the 20-year-old to turn to a biomechanics coach.
“Coco is a winner. She knows how to survive and understands the geometry of the court. She needs 100% biomechanical modifications to reprogram the reflexes. Has to be science-based. The serve is an 360 degree Easy Fix as there is no running. Forehand has to be brand new ATP. Time is her Best Friend and her serve and forehand can become her two best friends if she takes the time and addresses this correctly,” the 69-year-old coach wrote on X.
Coco is winner. She knows how to survive and understands the geometry of the court. She needs 100% biomechanical modifications to reprogram the reflexes. Has to be science based. The serve is an 360 degree Easy Fix as there is no running. Forehand has to be brand new ATP. Time…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) September 19, 2024
Gauff has already given an answer to that question
In 2022, Aryna Sabalenka had major difficulties with her serve but she managed to fix it after hiring a biomechanics coach. Following the American’s US Open exit, a reporter brought up the Belarusian’s case and asked if she could do the same. And she didn’t dismiss that option.
“I definitely want to get other opinions because, you know, and also I think it’s sometimes more of an emotional, mental thing because if I go out on the practice court right now, I would make 30 serves in a row. I’ve done it before. I think it’s also just kind of a mental hurdle that I have to get over when it comes with that. But I definitely want to look at other things because I don’t want to lose matches like this anymore,” Gauff said.
In a follow-up question, she also shared what she thought was an issue: “I go down on my left side a lot on my serve, and it’s something I’m aware of, but it’s tough in the moment to I guess try not to do it.”
Shortly after the 20-year-old’s title defense at Flushing Meadows came to an end in an unimpressive way, one fan mentioned that she should explore the prospect of doing some work with Nick Kyrgios. When the Australian saw that post, he said that he “would coach her.”
Meanwhile, the two-time Grand Slam finalist acknowledged that she didn’t have a summer up to her standard but also noted she was confident she could turn it around.
“Obviously because I’m wanting to reach a different level, it is disappointing, but I’m not going to beat myself up and be, like, this was so bad. Yeah, I expect better, but at the end of the day it happened, and I know I can turn it around,” the American explained.
Gauff is slated to return to action at next week’s WTA 1000 event in Beijing.