Gone are the days when the tennis world was privy to witness the ‘Big Three’ in action together. Though that timeless era is now in its twilight, Coco Gauff‘s coach Brad Gilbert has seen the glory days. The formidable trio of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, were a force to be reckoned with. Subsequently, the group’s previous endeavors prompted Gilbert to take a keen interest in a particular campaign of theirs.

Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer have blessed the sport with some of the best showdowns ever. They stormed the ATP and outfoxed their way through almost every challenge. However, that’s not the case now. Or at least it does not apply to all three of them. It’s been eons since the circuit was furnished with a draw that embodies all the top-ranked players. But, bear in mind, there was a time when all the top seeds and the ‘Big 3’ took on each other simultaneously in a tour-level event. Andy Roddick had been part of the name list and commented, “…………. Strong draw.” This, in turn, drew the 62-year-old coach’s attention.

Ahead of the Canadian Open, Coco Gauff’s coach, Gilbert, came across the quarterfinal draw of the Montreal event’s 2009 edition. Notably, the event’s QF roster incorporated all the top eight ranked players on the circuit, which happened for the first time since 1973. Bewildered with the historic draw, he rhetorically asked whether this was the “only time in a 1000 (masters) we had top 8 seeds in the quarters.”

For the uninitiated, the 2009 Canadian Open quarterfinals was a lopsided session. Despite fans’ hopes residing on the event’s defending champion Rafael Nadal, the Spanish endured an exit in the last eight. And before you think about it, no, neither Djokovic nor Federer made the cut. The tournament welcomed a new champion, Andy Murray, who outclassed Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the summit clash.

As for the ‘Big 3’, Djokovic remains the sole standing member who has managed to beat all odds. After tennis stomached Federer’s retirement in 2022, an injury-marred Nadal has been far from consistent. However, the Spaniard’s arch-rival Nole, is still standing strong. The Serbian recently clinched the elusive gold at the Paris Olympics.

However, despite the triumph, he was deprived of any ranking points. This elicited a reaction from Gilbert, who proposed to make certain reformations.

Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert calls for reinstatement of ranking points following Novak Djokovic’s golden glory

It is no surprise that Novak Djokovic’s historic Olympic gold has been overshadowed by the lack of ranking points. Although the Serb hasn’t contested this, some are displeased with the Games’ decision. Notably, they scraped awarding points or prize money to players since the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Acknowledging the issue, tennis coach turned analyst Gilbert criticized the Olympic Games agenda. He strongly advocated to reimburse players for their dues at the quadrennial event. “Absolutely ridiculous. No points. should be 1500 points to winners in singles and doubles. Used to have points, I believe, was, 750 to the winner.”

Whether the multi-sport event looks to furnish players with ranking points and consider Gilbert’s remarks is up for debate. Regardless, Nole is more than content with his dream run in Paris. After pocketing a gold medal and with it, concluding his long-standing ambition, the Serb is taking some time off to rest and celebrate the conquest with his loved ones!