Coco Gauff is making headlines once again, but this time it's not just about her achievements on the court. The 20-year-old American tennis sensation is beginning fresh with the announcement of her new coaching team, marking what she describes as her chance to "reset and refresh". Gauff recently ended her 14-month partnership with Brad Gilbert, leaving fans curious about what this shift means for the young star's career as she prepares for the challenging season ahead.
With the 2023 US Open title under her belt, Gauff might be expected to rest on her laurels. Instead, she revealed during her interview with the WTA website, her excitement not only for the new season but also for her new coach, Matt Daly. Daly, who recently coached Canadian tennis player Denis Shapovalov, has stepped up to work alongside Gauff’s longstanding coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel.
Gauff's decision to shift gears follows her less-than-ideal performances since her US Open victory, where she managed to exit both Wimbledon and the WTA Toronto events at the same stage, losing in the last 16. "Working with Brad was really great, and obviously, we had a great partnership," she shared, expressing gratitude for Gilbert's guidance. "But I felt it was time for a reset, to add something new to my game for next season. I’m super excited for this new change to hopefully improve other parts of my game."
This coaching shake-up isn't uncommon among top athletes, and Gauff’s case has caught attention, especially as it opens up discussions about her future direction. Following her split with Gilbert, who had been pivotal during her rise, the spotlight has turned to other coaching options, including recently speculated mentorship from Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs.
Despite her past criticisms of Gauff’s game announced during the US Open, Stubbs has indicated she would be open to coaching her. This offer came as Gauff faced challenges following her latest matches, leading to questions about her mental game. Stubbs commented on Gauff's struggles stating, "Where is Coco’s confidence?” raising eyebrows within the tennis community. Yet, Gauff maintains optimism about her potential with Daly on board, noting the immediate improvements already displayed during practice.
Heading to Beijing for her next contest, Gauff faces French competitor Clara Burel at the China Open, marking her first appearance since her upset at the US Open. She's seeded fourth at this WTA 100 event, aiming to bounce back and showcase the potential benefits of her recent coaching modifications.
The tennis world definitely has its eyes peeled. Tailoring strategies for players like Gauff, who is renowned for her tenacity and tactical acumen, poses exciting possibilities. Gauff acknowledges parts of her game she wants to reinforce, particularly her serve, which has been identified as pivotal for her successful gameplay.
“The focus right now is the serve. When I serve well, I tend to perform well overall. It’s the basis for my game, and I’m narrowing down on the slight adjustments to make sure I’m ready for the matches to come,” she stated.
This new era for Gauff embraces dedication, determination, and the constant pursuit of improvement. Coupled with the right mentorship, it holds the promise of unlocking greater potential as she navigates her career on the WTA tour. Gauff seems on track to deliver as she gears up for the rest of the season, armed with fresh insights and renewed energy.
Gauff’s experience on the court didn’t just evolve from competing fiercely against the world’s best; it also translates through her training, dedication, and the strategic choices she makes—including newly formed bonds with her coaching staff. She reaches toward success with her pragmatic approach, spurred on by lessons from past matches and the steady guidance from those around her.
With fans eager to see how Gauff translates her practice improvements onto the courts, the tennis community is ready for her next match. The China Open will be the platform where new strategies come to life as Gauff challenges her opponents, all thewhile hoping to regain and soar above previous highs following her recent career transitions.
