Coco Gauff Part Ways with Coach Following US Open Exit

Coco Gauff has officially parted ways with her coach, Brad Gilbert, after a string of disappointing performances, culminating in an early exit from the US Open where she failed to defend her title.

The world No. 6 faced a tough challenge in the fourth round of the US Open, where she was defeated by American Emma Navarro. This loss echoed a similar outcome at Wimbledon just months earlier, where Navarro also eliminated her in the same round.

Under Gilbert’s guidance, Gauff had seen significant success in 2023. The coaching partnership played a pivotal role in her remarkable journey, helping her secure her first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, as well as victories in Cincinnati and Washington. However, the current season has been less favorable for the young athlete. After reaching the semifinals at both the French Open and Berlin, Gauff experienced a series of early exits: she was knocked out in the third round at Wimbledon, the second round in Toronto, and the first round in Cincinnati, before her recent loss in New York.

In her post-match comments, Gauff expressed her frustrations. “Mentally and emotionally, I gave it my all,” she told reporters after her defeat to Navarro. “But there are execution issues I need to address, particularly with my serve. I believe that if I had performed better in that area, the outcome could have been different.”

Gilbert took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to reflect on their time together, expressing gratitude for the “amazing summer run” they shared in 2023. He praised Gauff’s talent, stating, “At just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead.” He also shared his excitement for the next chapter in his coaching career.

Gauff reciprocated Gilbert’s sentiments, acknowledging their accomplishments together and wishing him well for the future. “We had an incredible run, and I wish you all the best!” she wrote.

Despite the ups and downs of the season, Gauff managed to defend her title at the Auckland Classic earlier this year and made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open, demonstrating her potential and skill on the court.

The decision to part ways with Gilbert marks a significant moment in Gauff’s career as she looks to regroup and refine her game for the upcoming tournaments. The young star’s next steps will be closely watched as she seeks to regain her form and build on her previous successes.

As she reflects on her journey, Gauff remains optimistic about her future. The coaching split, while challenging, presents an opportunity for growth and development. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she navigates this transition and whether she will bring in a new coach to help elevate her game further.

With her undeniable talent and determination, Coco Gauff’s journey in professional tennis is far from over. As she prepares for the next chapter, her supporters remain hopeful that she will return to her winning ways and reclaim her position among the top players in the sport.