(VIDEO) Coco Gauff lashes out at coach after tense Dubai semi-final against Svitolina

Coco Gauff endured a tense semi-final match against Elina Svitolina at the 2026 Dubai WTA Championships, struggling to maintain consistency on her serve and forehand. The 21-year-old, seeded No. 3, lost the first set and had already hit four double faults before a pivotal moment in the second set. On-court microphones captured her shouting toward her coaching box: “I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for the last 6 months, and it’s not getting any better.”

Gauff’s frustration was directed at Gavin MacMillan, the biomechanics coach she added to her team in August prior to the US Open to overhaul her serve and correct flaws in her forehand. The American had hoped that the six-month partnership would provide immediate improvements, but the visible lack of progress in crucial moments clearly weighed on her.

Despite the tensions, Gauff demonstrated resilience. After her outburst, she held serve in the seventh game of the second set, avoiding going down by a break. The match was intensely competitive, with Gauff saving four match points in the second-set tie-break before eventually winning it 15-13 to force a decider against Svitolina.

Entering the week, Gauff had already accumulated 55 double faults across ten matches, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies in her serve. Yet, the American emphasized trust in her team, stating earlier this week: “I feel like I’m trusting the process. I mean, I’m very tough on myself… I just have to trust that.”

The hiring of MacMillan was intended to address the key weaknesses in Gauff’s game: her serve and forehand. Six months on, however, the intended improvements have not fully materialized. Observers noted that Gauff’s forehand misfires and critical double faults under pressure persisted throughout the Dubai semifinal.

“She was certainly a better player two years ago than she is now, with a forehand that routinely misfires, and a serve that leaks double faults at crucial moments,” noted analysts following the match. The frustration expressed during the semi-final suggests that Gauff’s patience is being tested, particularly as she is still in the early stage of her season with significant tournaments ahead.

MacMillan’s role has been clearly highlighted by this episode. The American’s candid message indicates that the expectations for immediate results may have been too high, or that the six-month period was insufficient to fully implement the changes. Nevertheless, the on-court reaction underlines the pressure elite athletes face when performance gaps remain unaddressed.

Even amid visible frustration, Gauff’s ability to remain competitive cannot be overlooked. She fought back from an early deficit in the second set, demonstrating mental toughness and keeping herself in contention despite errors and pressure. Her remark during the match underscores the tension, but also her determination to improve and compete at the highest level.

In a pre-match interview earlier in the week, she reflected on her challenges with measured perspective: “I’m trying to figure out the recipe… It’s a learning process. I think my serve is improving. I feel more comfortable going after it. The doubles are definitely less this year.” Gauff’s comments provide context for her outburst, revealing a player deeply invested in her own development.

Ultimately, while Gauff lost the Dubai semifinal to Svitolina, the episode has sparked conversations about coaching efficacy, athlete patience, and the fine line between immediate results and long-term improvement. Her public venting is a rare glimpse into the frustrations that even the sport’s brightest talents face on the professional tour.