The shocking news that is now dominating the tennis scene involves Coco Gauff, who revealed just yesterday that she was parting ways with Brad Gilbert.
The American, who won the US Open last year under his tutelage, has endured a really poor run of form throughout 2024, resulting in a slew of disappointing showings at all four Grand Slams.
It felt like there was something seriously wrong from within the camp, and when Rennae Stubbs questioned Gilbert after Gauff’s exit in New York this year, the writing was on the wall.
Alas, both the player and coach have exited the relationship with their stature still intact, and both are widely recognised as elite figures within their fields.
The hope is that they can each find the success they are looking for elsewhere with new partners.
Jon Wertheim hands Naomi Osaka coaching advice
And now, taking to X, revered tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has sought to claim that Naomi Osaka should have waited a little longer before announcing her split with her coach just last week.
Having won two of her four Grand Slam titles with Wim Fissette across two stints, the Belgian was relieved of his duties after a similarly poor run of form and an underwhelming early exit at the US Open too.
The Japanese tennis star wrote: ‘Four years, two Slams and a whole lot of memories. Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. Wishing you all the best.’
However, Wertheim would cheekily write: ‘Naomi Osaka should have waited a week….’.
This is in reference to the appointment of her new coach, the renowned Patrick Mouratoglou, to replace Fissette. Perhaps Gilbert might have been a better fit…
Coco Gauff splits with coach Brad Gilbert
Although it has come as quite a shock to see Coco Gauff finally pull the plug on Gilbert, it did feel like it was brewing.
After all, the world number six has twice lost to Emma Navarro in the past two Grand Slams, disappointing across three draws at the Olympics, won just one WTA title all season and suffered countless early exits all year long.
Regardless, Gauff praised Gilbert after sacking him, noting:
And, in return, Gilbert has reacted to parting ways with Gauff too, responding: ‘Thanks to Coco Gauff 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.’
It’s a sad state of affairs, but one that has become commonplace in tennis at the moment. Let’s hope her next appointment can turn her into a consistent threat once again.
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