Brad Gilbert refuses to make any change to Coco Gauff’s flawed forehand despite HUNDREDS OF REQUESTS

Brad Gilbert's strategic approach shifts focus away from forehand, reignites Coco Gauff's performance.

Brad Gilbert refuses to make any change to Coco Gauff’s flawed forehand despite HUNDREDS OF REQUESTS

Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff (Credit: Tennis Tonic)

Coco Gauff‘s confidence and performance have risen as a result of Brad Gilbert‘s decision to temporarily shift the focus away from her forehand. The renowned coach, who has guided the likes of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to Grand Slam success, embarked on a two-week experiment with Gauff that produced astonishing results and attracted the tennis world’s interest.

Gilbert and Gauff’s partnership began on an impromptu meeting at the All England Club. Gilbert, who was familiar with Gauff’s abilities but had never seen her in person, had an hour-long productive talk that hinted at a future coaching partnership. Following the initial conversation, both parties agreed to a trial term, which has subsequently blossomed into a longer coaching relationship.

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“One hundred percent,” Gilbert affirmed, underlining the challenges of addressing Gauff’s forehand. “I got hundreds of texts, fix the forehand, fix the forehand. You don’t just go switch a grip, because then you have to change the arm position and do a lot of other things. I’m not doing that right now,” he explained, dismissing the notion of a quick fix, and focusing on a comprehensive game plan.

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Gilbert’s approach may appear paradoxical, but his decision not to overemphasize Gauff’s forehand has freed her mind from the difficulties associated with the shot. Gauff’s forehand, while powerful, has been inconsistent and fragile in high-pressure circumstances at times. Gilbert chose a more holistic approach than an immediate grip modification, which could affect other areas of her game.

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A change in the game of Coco Gauff?

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Credit: CNN)

Recent performances by Gauff have demonstrated the favorable consequences of this unusual technique. She defeated Katie Boulter 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Canadian Open, her sixth consecutive triumph. The victory places her in the Round of 16.

Gilbert’s presence on Gauff’s coaching team, along with Pere Riba‘s, has given her game new vitality. Gauff’s talent is obvious; she reached the fourth round of Wimbledon four years ago and was a French Open finalist when she was 18 years old. Gauff recently won the Mubadala Citi DC Open under Gilbert’s tutelage, claiming the greatest championship of her career with a stunning victory over Maria Sakkari.

While Gauff’s powerful backhand and incredible speed have always been strengths, her inconsistent forehand has been a source of frustration. Gilbert’s nuanced approach to tackling this issue has already yielded results, emphasizing the significance of a thorough game plan and coaching strategy that considers the complexities of an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses.

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