Coco Gauff parts ways with coach Pere Riba as Brad Gilbert takes the complete charge from the WTA Finals 2023

Riba had been Gauff's head coach since April 2023.

Coco Gauff parts ways with coach Pere Riba as Brad Gilbert takes the complete charge from the WTA Finals 2023

(L) Pere Riba (L); (R) Coco Gauff and Brad Gilbert (Credits: Town and Country Magazine and Tennis Tonic)

Coco Gauff has now made significant changes to her coaching team as dropping the much-hyped Pere Riba. The American handed over complete control to Brad Gilbert who worked alongside Riba as a consultant on Gauff’s team. This move comes right after the teenager’s significant improvement in form and her first maiden title at the US Open.

Since Gilbert has taken the reigns, Gauff’s game has made some great strides. However, Riba had been Gauff’s head coach since April 2023, and Gilbert had only joined the team as a consultant in August, so it is safe to say that Riba was one of the chief hands that guided Gauff to her US Open victory, and Gauff herself has not shied away from paying her gratitude to the Spanish coach.

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Gilbert is a well-respected coach in the tennis world, having previously worked with Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick. He helped Agassi win six major titles and guided Roddick to his lone Grand Slam title. He is known for his aggressive coaching style and his ability to get the best out of his players.

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After hiring him as a consultant, Gauff went on to win a career milestone with the Cincinnati Open. She then became the youngest player since Serena Williams to win the US Open. It is now clear that Gauff feels that Gilbert is the better person to lead her team going forward.

Riba had also made a significant contribution to the 19-year-old’s game. Gauff’s decision to part ways with Riba comes as a bit of a surprise, as the two had seemed to have a good relationship. 

Unfortunately, it wasn't my decision, but we had to end the partnership. If it was up to me, I would have loved to have him here. But you know, things happen. Life happens. So no bad terms on our end.
Coco Gauff via Washington Post

Gilbert will take over full coaching duties for Gauff at the WTA Finals. It will be interesting to see how she fares with these changes.

Coco Gauff dominates against Ons Jabeur in the WTA Finals

The World No.3 started her campaign at the WTA Finals with a bang by overpowering World No.6 Ons Jabeur in her first clash at the year-end tournament. She defeated Jabeur in straight sets with an incredible scoreline of 6-0, 6-1.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Credits: People Magazine)

This was her first meeting with Jabeur this season. The American took a 3-0 lead in just 7 minutes in the first set. She lost a total of only 9 points in the first set. 

Ons is a great player, so I felt really unsteady the whole match even though it didn't [look] like that, but I'm just happy to finally get a win here in this event.

She did not face even one breakpoint in the first set. There was a rain delay after which Jabeur made a comeback by holding serve. However, it was short-lived as the teenager led the set 3-1. Gauff did not let go of her lead and went on to win the set 6-1.

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