Two weeks after a disappointing US Open title defence, American world number six Coco Gauff parted ways with her coach, Brad Gilbert.
Under Gilbert’s guidance, Gauff won her first major of the year in New York last year. However, Emma Navarro, another American, defeated her in the fourth round this year.
With this news, coach Gilbert said: “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead.”
Gilbert also coached former Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick. Expressing his sentiments, he added: “I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career.”
Gauff and Gilbert team-up
Following a humiliating first-round loss at Wimbledon the previous year, Gauff brought Gilbert on board to work with Spanish coach Pere Riba. Gauff’s luck took a turn for the better as she won 18 of her next 19 games during her home hard-court journey, resulting in titles in Washington, Cincinnati, and New York.
Gauff also secured a career-best 12 consecutive victories, including the US Open final victory over Aryna Sabalenka.
In November, Riba left the team, leaving Gilbert as the only head coach.
However, Gauff has not made it to a final this year since January, when she defended the Auckland championship.
The athlete advanced to the semi-finals of both the Australian and French Opens before losing in the Wimbledon fourth round and reaching the same round of the US Open. Her poor forehand and serve, which resulted in 19 double faults against Navarro, made it unclear if she would stick with Gilbert.
After everything, Gilbert declared: “Thanks to Coco and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort.”
Source: BBC