"Knew it was over after he got cooked by Rennae Stubbs after Coco Gauff's loss at US Open" - Fans react to American's split with coach Brad Gilbert
Coco Gauff parting ways with coach Brad Glibert after her failure to defend her US Open title has sparked a discussion among tennis fans. The pair had worked together for 14 months, with Gauff winning four singles titles during their partnership.
Gauff saw immediate success after adding Gilbert to her team during the summer of 2023, winning her maiden WTA 500 title at the Citi Open, followed by her first WTA 1000 triumph at the Cincinnati Open and ultimately clinching her maiden Grand Slam crown at the US Open.
However, the 20-year-old failed to reach the same heights this season, suffering early exits in Canada and Cincinnati in the lead-up to the New York Major. Subsequently, her hopes of a successful title defense at the US Open were dashed in the fourth round, causing her to drop down to World No. 6 in the rankings.
As Coco Gauff gears up to commence her Asian swing at the China Open, Brad Gilbert took to social media and announced the end of their partnership, wishing the 20-year-old continued success in her "incredibly bright" future.
"Thanks 🙏 to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort. 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. 👊👍💪🎾," Gilbert posted on X.
The split didn't come as a shock to fans, with many asserting that it was on the cards after the World No. 6's "underwhelming" season.
"Not surprising. This year has been absolutely underwhelming for her," one fan commented.
"Saw this coming but I'm glad it happened! Coco is too talented to be stuck in this negative loop," a fan contended.
"Good decision, Gilbert did some good work, but it seemed evident something needed to give. I have some strange curiosity how a BG-Rybakina association would go, I assume quite badly, but maybe it could be good for Rybakina," another fan chimed in.
Several fans suggested that the nail in the coffin of their partnership came when Rennae Stubbs launched a scathing attack on Coco Gauff's "bad technique" live on air in front of Brad Gilbert shortly after her US Open exit.
"Knew it was over after he got cooked by Rennae Stubbs after Coco’s loss at the US Open," one fan posted.
"Ohhh But that interaction between Renee and Brad did feel like a nail in the coffin. Renee’s delivery wasn’t right but certainly the truth behind what she had to say wasn’t wrong," another fan wrote.
"BG got fired by @rennaestubbs on live TV 5 minutes after Coco Gauff lost her match. Just brutal," said another.
Others, meanwhile, welcomed the decision in light of Gilbert's perceived "unprofessional" conduct while handling his media commitments during the 20-year-old's campaign at the New York Major.
"This is right decision. Brad was more interested in being a tennis commentator than coach. Coco Gauff really needs to address serve and forehand problems. She needs help ASAP. The women have figured out her patterns too," one fan shared.
"So much coach swapping this season. 2025 is going to be interesting! I hope players/coaches realize that coaching and commentating is a hard balance for both parties. I never liked how Brad would commentate matches before coco even gave a press statement," another fan chimed in.
"He was pretty unprofessional throughout the whole tournament. It was crazy to me how involved he was in the tv broadcast for being a top players coach. Seemed like he was frequently on camera or doing matches for hours daily. Dont you have work to be doing dude?" said yet another.
Nick Kyrgios offered to coach Coco Gauff amid calls for her to end her partnership with Brad Gilbert after US Open loss
Amid calls for Coco Gauff to "fire" Brad Gilbert after her disappointing US Open exit, one fan proposed that Nick Kyrgios should take over the coaching role. In response to the fan's suggestion, Kyrgios expressed his interest in teaming up with Gauff.
"I'd coach her (Coco Gauff)," Kyrgios responded.
Apart from Kyrgios, Gauff has several strong coaching candidates to consider. With Naomi Osaka recently parting ways with Wim Fissette, the Belgian coach could be a viable option for the World No. 6.
Other prospective coaches for the American include Serena Williams' childhood coach Rick Macci and tennis legend Boris Becker. Attention will now be focused on whether Coco Gauff will debut a new coach at the WTA 1000 China Open, commencing on September 25.