World No. 6 Coco Gauff and coach Brad Gilbert are ending their partnership following the player's disappointing fourth-round exit at the US Open, Gilbert announced on Wednesday. He also expressed excitement about the next phase of his career. Gilbert played a pivotal role in guiding Gauff to her maiden grand slam victory in New York last year. However, the player failed to defend her title, suffering early eliminations in the tune-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.
“Thanks to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” Gilbert, who reached No. 4 in the world during his 13-year playing career, posted on X. “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 reciprocated the sentiment in a social media post later on Wednesday. “We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!” she wrote on X.
Gauff's breakthrough at Flushing Meadows was followed by semi-final appearances at the Australian Open and French Open this year. However, there were noticeable tensions between her and Gilbert at Wimbledon, where she expressed frustration towards him during her fourth-round loss to American Emma Navarro.
