BREAKING: Coco Gauff has made another surprising move.
Coco Gauff has made an unexpected decision to break ways with her coach, Brad Gilbert, following a hard season.
The decision has left the tennis world in a frenzy, especially after what appeared to be a successful alliance that enabled Gauff win her first Grand Slam championship at the US Open last year.
Gilbert announced the news of their breakup on X (previously Twitter).
“Thanks to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” said Gilbert on Instagram.
He concluded with the following: “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, Gauff has struggled during this season.
She was eliminated early from both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, and she was unable to defend her US Open crown, losing in the fourth round to Emma Navarro.
With the season drawing to a conclusion, Gauff’s decision to break ways with Gilbert marks a new direction for her as she seeks to make strategic adjustments 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 separation felt unavoidable. Gauff’s obvious anger during her Wimbledon match against Emma Navarro, when she showed discontent with the advice from her coaching box, hinted to rising tension.
Similar events occurred during the US Open, causing some fans to feel the partnership had reached its inevitable end.
Despite the difficulties, many people commended Gilbert for his involvement in helping Gauff win her first Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open.
“Congrats BG on taking Coco to her Grand Slam victory in New York,” one admirer said, underlining that Gilbert deserved to be recognized for their accomplishments together.
After 14 months of collaboration, Gauff will look for a new coach to take her through the next stage of her career. Fans are excited to see what lies ahead for Gauff and Gilbert in their respective tennis careers.
