Just days before the 2026 BNP Paribas Open begins at Indian Wells on March 7, American tennis star Coco Gauff revealed that her coach, Gavin MacMillan, is currently trapped in a volatile region in West Asia. The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has complicated MacMillan’s ability to leave the area, raising concerns over his safety as the tournament approaches.
During a pre-tournament press conference, Gauff openly discussed the difficulty of the situation, sharing that she remains unsure whether MacMillan will be able to reach Indian Wells in time. She stressed that they are maintaining daily communication and hoping for his secure exit from the region.
“My coach, Gavin, is actually there right now, he’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it. I just want him to be safe,” Coco Gauff said. “I don’t know when he can leave and things like that. We are just taking it day by day with him.”
Gauff Reflects on Conflict and Its Impact
Expressing her feelings about the escalating situation in West Asia, Gauff called the violence “unfortunate” while offering her compassion to those affected. She emphasized the needless harm caused to innocent lives amid the tensions.
“Yeah, I mean, I guess, first off, what’s happening is unfortunate, and my thoughts and prayers are out there for everyone affected, innocent lives being taken,” Coco Gauff said. “I think it’s a lot of unnecessary violence going on.”
Speaking about her personal experience in the region, Gauff said she has never felt unsafe competing there before, despite the recent flashpoints.
“As for the Middle East, I have never personally felt unsafe there, playing tournaments or anything like that. I have never felt unsafe. I think what’s happening now, I guess people, maybe political experts could see it coming, but I think as far as a tennis player, no one would expect things to happen,” she added.
Background on Gavin MacMillan’s Role with Gauff
Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics expert, joined Coco Gauff’s team in August 2025 with the goal of refining her serve technique. Since then, he has become a permanent member of her support staff, bringing specialized knowledge that has contributed to her recent successes.
Coco Gauff Targets First Indian Wells Championship
At 19 years old, Gauff is aiming to secure the Indian Wells title for the first time in her career. Currently seeded fourth, she starts the tournament placed in the demanding top half of the draw. Potential early opponents include Grand Slam winner Bianca Andreescu and hard-hitting Aryna Sabalenka. Other challengers in her quarter feature players like Jasmine Paolini, Ekaterina Aleandrova, Clara Tauson, and Alexandra Eala.
Gauff’s best result at Indian Wells so far was reaching the semifinals in 2024. Last year, she exited in the fourth round after a tightly contested three-set loss to Belinda Bencic.
Unfolding Situation Raises Questions About Team Safety
The unpredictability of MacMillan’s situation highlights wider concerns for athletes and their teams amid geopolitical conflicts near international sporting events. Gauff’s ongoing communication with her coach demonstrates the human side of these disruptions, as she prepares to compete amid uncertainty.
With the BNP Paribas Open now imminent, the tennis community watches closely to see if MacMillan can safely join Gauff and contribute to her pursuit of a major title, underscoring the fragility of safety and logistics in an increasingly unstable world.
