Coco Gauff has made a surprising move by parting ways with her coach, Brad Gilbert, following a challenging season.
The decision has left the tennis world buzzing, especially after what appeared to be a successful partnership that helped Gauff secure her first Grand Slam title last year at the US Open.
The news of their split was confirmed by Gilbert himself, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts.
“Thanks to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” Gilbert posted.
He also added, “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead.”
Despite her success in 2023, this season has been filled with struggles for Gauff.
She faced early exits at both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, and failed to defend her US Open title, bowing out to Emma Navarro in the fourth round.
With the season coming to an end, the decision to part ways with Gilbert signals a new direction for Gauff as she looks to make strategic changes ahead of 2025.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The split has sparked mixed reactions from tennis fans. Some were caught off guard, while others felt the change was long overdue.
One fan on X commented, “Naomi Osaka should have waited a week,” referencing Osaka’s recent split with her coach Wim Fissette and hinting that Osaka might have benefitted from having Gilbert by her side.
Others speculated that ATP star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also faced a tough season, could benefit from bringing Gilbert on board.
For some, the split seemed inevitable. Gauff‘s visible frustration during her Wimbledon match against Emma Navarro, where she expressed dissatisfaction with the guidance from her coaching box, hinted at growing tension.
Similar scenes unfolded during the US Open, leading some fans to believe the partnership had reached its natural conclusion.
Despite the challenges, many praised Gilbert for his role in helping Gauff win her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.
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