Who is Coco Gauff's new coach? Everything you need to know about why the American's dad is back at the helm
Teenage tennis sensation Coco Gauff arrived in Stuttgart to compete at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix last month. During a press conference ahead of the tournament, Gauff was asked about her split with coach Diego Moyano and her plans for the clay season.
Gauff explained that it wasn't her decision to split with Moyano and that there were some personal issues he was dealing with. She further stated that they had a great time together and that she understood his situation.
"It wasn't really my decision. He was having some personal things going on, so he had to step down. So I wouldn't say it was something that I think both of us didn't want to happen because we did have such a good time together," Coco Gauff said.
When asked about her coaching plans for the clay season, Gauff revealed that she's currently working with her dad, Corey Gauff. She had hoped to find a coach before the clay season but due to the timing of Moyano's departure, she didn't have much time to decide.
"Regarding coaching, right now it's just me and my dad, back with him (smiling). You know, I had the goal of maybe getting a coach before the clay season, but I feel like after Miami is when I found out from Diego, so I didn't have like that much time to decide," Gauff added.
Diego Moyano split ways with Coco Gauff for "personal reasons"
Taking to social media, Diego Moyano revealed that he had to stop working with Coco Gauff for "personal reasons," thanking her during the announcement for giving him "plenty of memories."
Moyano extended his thanks to all the other members of the Gauff family as well, hailing them for giving him their support and trust during their time together.
"THANK YOU!! After a fantastic year where we achieve many great things I have to stop working with Coco due to my personal reasons. Thank you so much for this amazing year plenty of memories," Moyano wrote on Instagram.
"It is really a pleasure to work with you @cocogauff a real champion on and off the court. Want to thank Gauff’s family for the trust and support along this year. You guys have been amazing. And want to thanks as well the team that worked hard with me to achieve the goals," he added.
Coco Gauff discusses evolution of her game brought about by Diego Moyano
At the press conference, Coco Gauff discussed the evolution of her game over the past year. When asked what Diego Moyano helped bring to her game, Gauff claimed that she became a better claycourt player and a better decision-maker, which she believes is reflected in her results.
"I think with Diego, I mean, I definitely became a better clay court player. That showed in the results. I think I became a better decision-maker. I think I was making better decisions on the court," she said.
Gauff also spoke about her desire to play more aggressively and the role that coaching plays in it. She explained that while she has the idea in her head during practice, it can be difficult to execute in matches.
"Regarding me playing more aggressive, I think that is someone, that I need someone now I guess to continue to remind me of that. I feel like I have that conscious in my head right now so when I am in practice, I'm trying to do that more," Gauff added.
The 19-year-old went on to talk about the significant improvements she made in her serve with Moyano's help. Earlier she would lead or be in the top three on the tour for double faults, but now she has dropped out of the top 10.
"I think he helped a lot with my serve. I was either leading or top 3 on the tour with double faults. Now I don't think I'm in the top 10 on that. So I think that was probably the biggest improvement I've made with him," she said.