Harper Lin
Coco Gauff and her coach, Brad Gilbert, have recently parted ways. The pair worked together for over a year, during which Gauff won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. Gilbert announced the end of their working relationship on social media, stating that he is excited for the next chapter in his coaching career. Gauff thanked Gilbert for an incredible run and wished him all the best for the future. With Gilbert's guidance, Gauff won three titles in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and New York, and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in June 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coaching relationship status | Brad Gilbert is no longer coaching Coco Gauff |
| Duration of coaching relationship | A little more than a year |
| Circumstances of the split | Coco Gauff's defence of her 2023 US Open championship unraveled amid 19 double faults during a loss to Emma Navarro in the fourth round |
| Achievements during the coaching relationship | 3 titles in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open; Gauff reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2; Gauff won her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open with Katerina Siniakova; Gauff won her seventh career Hologic WTA Tour singles title in Auckland, New Zealand |
| Post-split comments by Brad Gilbert | "Thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort. Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I'm excited for the next chapter in my coaching career." |
| Post-split comments by Coco Gauff | "We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!" |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff's coaching relationship ends
Coco Gauff has parted ways with her coach Brad Gilbert after more than a year together. The pair announced the end of their partnership on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, via separate messages on social media. Gilbert wrote:
> Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career.
Gauff responded with a message of her own, thanking Gilbert for an "incredible run" and wishing him "all the best in the future".
Gilbert joined Gauff's team as a consultant in July 2023, two months after she won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open. He then took over as her main coach in November 2023, following the departure of Spanish coach Pere Riba. During their time together, Gauff won three titles in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. She also reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in June 2024.
However, Gauff's form began to dip in the spring and summer of 2024, with a series of disappointing results, including a fourth-round loss to Emma Navarro at Wimbledon in July. This match also saw Gauff remonstrating with Gilbert and fellow coach Jean-Christophe Faurel during a change of ends, pleading for "more direction".
Despite the recent setbacks, Gilbert remains optimistic about Gauff's future prospects, and the 20-year-old will no doubt be looking to bounce back strongly from this challenging period.
Golfing with Andy: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gauff thanks Gilbert for an incredible run
Coco Gauff has thanked coach Brad Gilbert for an incredible run, bringing their partnership to an end. Gauff, the American world number six, hired Gilbert in 2023 after a first-round exit at Wimbledon. Gilbert, alongside Spanish coach Pere Riba, helped Gauff win four titles since July 2023, including her first Grand Slam in New York. However, Gauff's performance in 2024 has been less consistent, with early defeats and a failed defence of her US Open title.
Gauff and Gilbert's partnership lasted just over 14 months, during which Gauff achieved remarkable success. After a disappointing run in 2024, Gauff decided to part ways with Gilbert, with her most recent loss being in the fourth round of the US Open to Emma Navarro. Gauff described her exit as ""disappointing", citing issues with her serve and a lack of consistency with her forehand.
In a social media post, Gilbert wished Gauff the best for the future, acknowledging her young age and the potential for continued success. He wrote, "Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I'm excited for the next chapter in my coaching career." Gauff is expected to return to action at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, where she will compete without Gilbert by her side.
The split comes as a result of Gauff's recent performance struggles and is not the first time Gilbert has had a short spell of success with a player. Despite the disappointing end to their partnership, Gauff and Gilbert achieved significant victories together, and both parties acknowledged the incredible team effort during their time working together.
Peter Millar: Golf Brand or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gauff won her first Grand Slam title under Gilbert's guidance
Coco Gauff, the American tennis prodigy, won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 US Open under the guidance of coach Brad Gilbert. Gauff's triumph at the US Open represented a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, solidifying her place among the sport's elite.
Gauff's journey to her maiden Grand Slam title began with a setback. A first-round loss to Sofia Kenin at Wimbledon dealt a blow to her confidence, prompting a coaching change as her father, Corey, stepped aside for Gilbert. This decision proved pivotal, setting the stage for Gauff's remarkable transformation.
Under Gilbert's tutelage, Gauff underwent a rapid evolution in her game. She embraced a more aggressive style, showcasing her powerful serve and relentless defence. Gilbert encouraged her to put high, heavy topspin on the ball and instilled in her the tenacity to chase down balls in every corner of the court. This new approach yielded immediate results, propelling Gauff to a string of impressive victories.
In the lead-up to the US Open, Gauff's stellar form became evident. She won her first 500-level tournament at the Citi Open in Washington, DC, and followed it up with her first 1000-level tournament victory at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. These triumphs signaled that Gauff was a force to be reckoned with, capable of challenging the very best in the world.
At the US Open itself, Gauff continued her exceptional run. She defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final, showcasing her resilience and ability to adapt. Rather than relying solely on her offensive prowess, Gauff employed a strategic blend of running and defending, outlasting her opponent in a three-set thriller. This victory not only secured her first Grand Slam title but also silenced any doubts about her ability to win a major championship.
Gauff's success under Gilbert's guidance extended beyond her Grand Slam breakthrough. During their 14-month partnership, she also claimed titles in Cincinnati and Washington, D.C., solidifying her status as a rising star in the tennis world. While their coaching relationship eventually came to an end in September 2024, Gilbert played a pivotal role in Gauff's development, helping her lay the foundation for future success.
Harris' Tax Plan: Golf's Future?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gilbert is excited for the next step in his coaching career
Brad Gilbert is excited for the next step in his coaching career. Gilbert, a former tennis pro, has had a successful run coaching Coco Gauff, which has now come to an end. Gauff and Gilbert's partnership lasted a little over a year, during which Gauff won her first and only Grand Slam title at the US Open, along with three other titles in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and her seventh career WTA singles title in Auckland, New Zealand.
Gilbert, who is an esteemed coach with over 40 years of experience, has worked with some of the biggest names in tennis, including Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray. He helped Agassi win six of his eight Grand Slam titles and guided Roddick to his 2003 US Open victory.
In a post on his social media, Gilbert wrote, "Thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort. Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I'm excited for the next chapter in my coaching career."
Gilbert's enthusiasm for the future is evident, and with his extensive knowledge of the game and coaching prowess, he is sure to take on new challenges and continue his successful coaching career.
The end of Gilbert and Gauff's partnership presents an opportunity for both to seek new avenues and achievements. While Gauff has a bright future ahead as a talented tennis player, Gilbert's next step will undoubtedly build on his impressive coaching legacy.
Golf's Return: What's Next?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gauff's disappointing US Open title defence
Coco Gauff has ended her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert just two weeks after what she described as a "disappointing" US Open title defence. Gauff, 20, won the first major of her career in New York last year under Gilbert's guidance. But she lost in the fourth round to fellow American Emma Navarro this year.
Gauff hired Gilbert to work alongside Spanish coach Pere Riba after a first-round exit at Wimbledon last year. That led to a turnaround in fortune as Gauff won 18 of her next 19 matches in her home hard-court swing, leading to title victories in Washington, Cincinnati, and New York. However, Gauff has struggled for form in 2024, failing to reach a final since defending her Auckland title in January. She followed this with runs to the semi-finals of the Australian Open and French Open, before being beaten in the fourth round of Wimbledon and the US Open.
Gauff's US Open title defence was marred by a series of errors, including 19 double faults and 60 unforced errors, with 29 on her forehand side. This result continued a recent trend of early exits for Gauff, including a third-round exit at the Paris Olympics and a first-round exit at Wimbledon last season. Gauff attributed her recent struggles to mental and emotional hurdles, stating that she needs to address mechanical and technical flaws in her game.
Despite the disappointing result, Gauff remains optimistic about her future prospects. "I know I can turn it around," she said, acknowledging that she needs to improve her serve and address technical flaws. Gauff, currently ranked No. 6, is expected to return to action at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.
Presidents Cup: Who's Leading the Pack?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Gilbert and Gauff parted ways in September 2024 after working together for over a year.
Gilbert joined Gauff's team as a consultant in July 2023 and later became her head coach.
Gauff won her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2, and won her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open with Katerina Siniakova.
Gilbert wished Gauff success in the future and said, "I'm excited for the next chapter in my coaching career."
