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Coco Gauff Parts Ways with Coach Brad Gilbert Following US Open Disappointment
In a significant move just two weeks after her unsatisfactory performance defending her title at the US Open, American tennis star Coco Gauff has decided to end her coaching relationship with Brad Gilbert. This decision comes on the heels of a fourth-round exit from the tournament, where she faced fellow American Emma Navarro.
The 20-year-old Gauff enjoyed a breakthrough year last season under Gilbert’s mentorship, culminating in her first major title at the US Open. However, this year’s title defense did not go as planned, marking a challenging moment in her otherwise promising career.
In a statement on social media platform X, Gilbert shared his best wishes for Gauff’s future, expressing optimism about her potential in the sport. “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead,” he remarked. Gilbert, a seasoned coach, has previously guided illustrious players like Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick, enhancing the weight of his endorsement.
This partnership began after a disappointing start to Gauff’s 2022 season, highlighted by a first-round exit at Wimbledon. Gilbert joined forces with Gauff alongside her existing coach, Pere Riba, and their collaboration quickly revitalized her game. Following the coaching change, Gauff experienced a remarkable turnaround, winning 18 out of 19 matches during the hard-court season, including significant titles in Washington, Cincinnati, and New York.
As both Gauff and Gilbert look ahead, the tennis community remains eager to witness the next steps for each. Gauff continues to embody the promising future of American tennis, poised to build on her achievements and further refine her skills as she prepares for the upcoming tours.
Source
www.bbc.com