Coco Gauff has made one of the biggest decisions in her brief tennis career so far by splitting with coach Brad Gilbert.
Gilbert thanked Gauff after the split, with the pair having worked together on the court for the last 14 months.
John McEnroe predicted a Gauff team change after her failed US Open title defence, with the 20-year-old having suffered a fourth round exit.
Prior to that, Gauff suffered miserable runs at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, and indeed the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Semi-final runs at the Australian Open and French Open were recorded, with Gauff losing to respective champions Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Coco Gauff sends message to Brad Gilbert after their split
But the American then exited Wimbledon in the fourth round, epitomising her frustrating season under Gilbert.
Gauff has, however, now praised her former coach, having clearly enjoyed their time together before making the decision to part ways.
Tagging Gilbert on X with a photo of the duo, Gauff wrote: “Thank you! We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!”
What next for 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff?
Gauff has enjoyed huge success despite being just 20 years old, with Gilbert certainly deserving plenty of credit for his efforts in recent times.
But the WTA star clearly felt a change was needed, potentially kick-started by her hugely disappointing US Open title defence.
She would, however, have been feeling the pressure at Flushing Meadows after her superb victory this time last year.
Gauff now has the chance to reinvent herself, with plenty of work certain to take place behind the scenes ahead of the new season.
It remains to be seen which direction she will go, but huge success is on the cards if she makes the right decision over her next coach.
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