Arguably the biggest tennis news this week comes from the camp of World number six Coco Gauff.
On Wednesday evening it was announced that Gauff’s coaching partnership with Brad Gilbert is now over.
Both Gauff and Gilbert used social media to post tribute to one another following their split. Their year-long partnership produced a 2023 US Open title, a WTA Tour 1000 title and career-high ranking of World number two.
But following a disappointing two months in which Coco Gauff failed to make at least the quarterfinals in five successive tournaments, she decided it was time for a change.
As the 20-year-old seeks to find a new coach, The Tennis Gazette have named three people that can join the American’s team to help her rediscover her best form.
Which potential coaching options can take Coco Gauff to the next level?
Wim Fisette
Approximately a week before Gauff and Gilbert parted ways, Naomi Osaka split with her former coach Wim Fissette.
The Belgian won two Grand Slams with the Japanese player and there is no reason why he couldn’t do the same with Gauff.
He has plenty of experience coaching top level players such as Kim Clijsters, Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka, all of whom are Grand Slam champions.
A fresh perspective from Fissette can help reignite Gauff’s belief in her game, which seemed to have deserted her over the summer.
One drawback at the moment may be that Fissette does not seem to coach many of his players long-term and for a player of Gauff’s age and her desire to get to the next level, that is just what she needs.
Boris Becker
Boris Becker has been out of coaching since his four-month partnership with Holger Rune came to end in February.
The six-time Grand Slam champion has an impressive track record with Novak Djokovic in which he guided him to a maiden French Open title.
He was able to take the Serbian’s game to the next level and that is exactly what Gauff needs to do if she wants to win more titles, consistently challenge the World number one and two Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka and reach the top ranking spot.
Becker, one of tennis’ greatest servers, helped turn Djokovic’s serve into a reliable weapon, and this is something Gauff could greatly benefit from.
Her second serve in particular is a concern. Gauff has served 315 double faults this season, more than any other player in the WTA’s top 100.
That has to change and if anyone can help her achieve that, it is Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion.
Rennae Stubbs
Another potential coaching candidate for Gauff is Rennae Stubbs, who is a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion.
She is now a commentator and analyst, and Stubbs was very critical of Gauff’s game after she was eliminated from the 2024 US Open.
Stubbs broke down the mechanics of Gauff’s forehand and how it can be improved, as this has proven to be an unreliable shot for the former US Open winner.
The 53-year-old previously coached Karolina Pliskova from 2018 to 2019 and was in the corner of fellow Australian Sam Stosur when she captured the 2021 doubles title with Zhang Shuai.
Most recently, Stubbs coached Serena Williams during the final tournament of her illustrious career at the 2022 US Open.
Stubbs has not previously coached anyone as young as Gauff on the WTA Tour, but her experience and knowledge of what Gauff needs to improve could see them form a successful partnership should they join forces.
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