Coco Gauff ends coaching partnership with Brad Gilbert
Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff won four WTA titles together since July 2023, including the American's first Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Coco Gauff and Brad Gilbert (via Daily Express)
Brad Gilbert has announced that his coaching relationship with Coco Gauff has ended after just over a year. He shared this news on his social media accounts, where he is quite active. Gilbert, who also works as a commentator, also expressed his excitement about the next phase of his coaching career.
Coco Gauff had a significant moment when she served as the flag bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympics. She called it one of the highlights of her career. However, she faced challenges on the court and did not win any medals. Additionally, she was unable to defend her US Open title, losing to Emma Navarro in a tough three-set match.
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.Brad Gilbert wrote on X
Many fans and experts pointed to Gauff’s serving struggles as a key factor in her US Open defeat. The 2024 tennis season has been dominated by Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek has secured titles at Roland Garros and three Masters 1000 events, while Sabalenka has won the Australian Open, US Open, and Cincinnati.
If Gauff wants to reach the same level as these top players, she needs to make some changes. The decision to part ways with Gilbert might be the start of that process. Only time will tell if this decision was the right one for her career.
The relationship of Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff teamed up with Brad Gilbert in the summer of 2023. Together with Pere Riba, they helped her achieve an impressive run. Gauff won three titles, including her first Grand Slam at the US Open. After Riba left the team, Gilbert became her main coach.
In early 2024, Gauff continued her success. She won her seventh WTA singles title in Auckland and reached the semifinals at the Australian Open. However, her performance dipped during the spring and summer months.
At Roland Garros, Gauff lost to Iga Swiatek for the 11th time in 12 matches. Despite reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 and winning the doubles title with Katerina Siniakova, she struggled afterwards. She faced tough defeats in the last two Grand Slams, losing in the round of 16 to fellow American Emma Navarro both times. Gauff is currently ranked No. 6 and plans to compete at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, starting on September 25.
Fahad Hamid
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