Coco Gauff has managed to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Italian Open. In her recent match against Paula Badosa, the WTA star turned the tables by picking the pace from the second set and serving the Spaniard with a surprising defeat. While there’s no such hindrance seen in her last match, her coach Brad Gilbert seems to have caught one.

Soon after Coco Gauff emerged victorious against Paula Badosa, Gilbert came forward to voice strong criticism against the practice of players catching the ball multiple times during their serves. Gilbert expressed frustration with the help of an update on X saying, “You have heard me say this so many times, catching your own ball toss on serve should not be allowed.”

He emphasized the absurd nature of players catching the ball three times in a row without any fear of facing consequences for time violations and therefore referred to it as “beyond ridiculous.” Gilbert highlighted the unfair advantage this practice gives to servers, mentioning the fact that allowing up to 45 catches in a match without any rule enforcement puts returners at a significant disadvantage.

“Allowing 45 catches in a match and nothing in rules is mind-boggling and such disadvantage to returner,” he added. The controversy raised by Coco Gauff’s coach about frequent ball toss catching raises questions about the fairness of the game and the need for regulations to ensure a level playing field.

As Gilbert’s outspoken comments highlighted an overlooked aspect of the sport that requires attention, it remains to be seen if his statement triggers the authorities to take suitable action. This is not the first time Gilbert has raised his voice about overlooked rules on the tour.

Coco Gauff’s coach demands no delay in introducing the Electronic Line Calling

This wasn’t the first time when Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert came forward to demand corrections in the loopholes that exist in the tennis scene. During a match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jannik Sinner at the Monte Carlo Masters, a double fault was overlooked because of the lack of Electronic Line Calling which the ATP has promised to bring in from 2025.

Urging the authorities to not waste more time in introducing the latest technology, he wrote, “I will say again there is time for @atptour to make it happen, why wait till 2025 for electronic line calling, that missed double fault a 3-1 BP just shouldn’t happen, Sin City probably kicking himself he didn’t and how did umpire miss it to #disheveled.”

Although the concerned bodies haven’t come forward to answer his queries yet, it still remains to be seen if his voice makes a positive impact.