Coco Gauff’s Coach Blasts Olympics’ ‘Absolutely Ridiculous’ Rule for Tennis With His Own Alternative

The 2016 Summer Olympics saw a major change as far as tennis was concerned. The points system, which was introduced three editions before, in 2004, was discontinued. It meant that players performing well in the Olympic games went home without any ranking points added to their tally. This rule hasn’t gone down well with the coach of Coco Gauff, Brad Gilbert.

The legendary coach often makes his feelings felt on various happenings in the tennis world. As the Paris Olympic Games drew closer, Gilbert gave his opinion about the points system for the sport at the Olympics.

Coach of Coco Gauff is unhappy with ranking points on offer at the Olympics

From 2004 to 2012, the tennis players received ranking points at the Olympic Games. While the men’s champion got 750 points added to his tally, the women’s champion received 685 points. What made Gilbert unhappy was the fact that the points on offer here were even less than those of the Masters tournaments.

He took to his official Twitter handle and made his feelings felt, saying, “Still absolutely ridiculous; there are not at least the same points as a 1000, I think 1500 to the winner should be.” While the points system has been removed since 2016, Gilbert wants it to be introduced again with double the points on offer than before. Moreover, the points given at the Olympics before were only for that calendar year. This meant that they were removed from the players’ tally in the year after the Olympic Games.

Despite ranking points not being offered at this year’s Paris Olympics, the players are determined more than ever before to shine on the global sporting stage. A few months ago, Gauff’s then-coach, Pere Riba, laid out the American sensation’s Olympic dreams.

Gauff working hard to bring glory to her country at Paris Olympics

In the previous edition in Tokyo, Gauff had to pull after testing positive for Covid-19. However, she is all set to make her debut this time around and become the first American tennis player to qualify for the Olympics. During an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, her former coach, Riba, talked about Gauff’s Olympic ambitions.

He said, “Coco likes the idea. She is working really hard. She has the dream to win one medal for America. For everyone, not only for Coco. All the players want that, you know…represent your country, it’s so important. It’s like a really special tournament. Of course, Coco will go there and then she is gonna fight and do her best.”

Gauff will be seen in action not just in singles but also doubles. Can she achieve success in her first-ever appearance at the Olympic Games? Let us know your views in the comments below.