Coco Gauff has parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert after more than a year together, which included winning one Grand Slam title. The news was shared through separate social media posts by both Gauff and Gilbert.
The split comes just 2 1/2 weeks after Gauff’s title defense at the 2023 U.S. Open ended in disappointment, with a fourth-round loss to Emma Navarro, where Gauff struggled with 19 double-faults, ultimately losing 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows.
This loss on September 1 was the latest in a string of underwhelming results for the 20-year-old American, who has dropped from No. 3 to No. 6 in the WTA rankings in recent months. Gauff had a breakthrough after a first-round exit at Wimbledon last year, during which her game improved significantly under the guidance of Gilbert and co-coach Pere Riba. However, Riba was not coaching her this year. During her remarkable 2023 season, Gauff went on a 22-1 run, securing titles in Washington, Cincinnati, and her first major championship at the U.S. Open, all while still in her teens.
On Wednesday, Gilbert posted a message on social media thanking Gauff and her team for “an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort.” He added, “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 also thanked Gilbert in her own message, saying, “We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!”
Their collaboration also included Gauff’s semifinal appearances at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in June, where she lost to the eventual champions.
At Wimbledon in July, Gauff was eliminated in the fourth round by Navarro, and during the match, there was some mid-match discussion between Gauff and Gilbert over alternative strategies. “I felt like I wanted more direction,” Gauff said afterward.
She later exited the Paris Olympics in the third round of singles, having served as the female flag bearer for the U.S. team. Gauff also faced losses in both women’s and mixed doubles in her second matches on the same day.
Leading up to her return to the U.S. Open, Gauff went 1-2 at the Toronto and Cincinnati Open hard court events after transitioning from red clay.
