The WTA season is entering the final few days of a glorious year. Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed some intriguing tennis action. One last tournament for the year, the WTA Finals is remaining, which features the top eight players of this season. Stars like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek will be heading to the tournament that is taking place next week in Cancun. However, before the tournament, a saddening natural disaster struck the host country. As a result, Gauff’s legendary consultant, Brad Gilbert, prayed for the quick recovery and safety of the people over there.
Gilbert joined Gauff’s coaching staff earlier this year. The two have had a successful stint together, with Gauff winning the US Open. Here’s what Gilbert said about the natural disaster.
Legendary consultant of Coco Gauff prays amidst tough times
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The year-ending WTA Championships is set to take place in Cancun, Mexico. However, the country is battling Hurricane Otis, which has made landfall as a category 5 Storm. Severe wind speeds and heavy rainfall have accompanied this disaster, which has affected thousands of people. Although the host city and the Hurricane landing site near Acapulco are on opposite coastlines, the severity of the storm has put the entire country on alert.
The natural disaster has also caught the attention of the tennis world as Mexico plays host to the WTA Finals. Gauff’s legendary consultant, Brad Gilbert also voiced his concern on the same.
He took to his official Twitter handle, saying, “Hurricane Otis makes historic Category 5 landfall in Mexico near Acapulco – FOX Weather i know a ways from Cancun hopefully everyone ok.”
Hurricane Otis makes historic Category 5 landfall in Mexico near Acapulco – FOX Weather i know a ways from Cancun hopefully 🙏 everyone ok https://t.co/C0QpVJ94Y9
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) October 25, 2023
Gilbert has been a massive influence in Gauff’s wonderful season this year. Earlier this year, he revealed the change in her game that led to big success.
DIVE DEEPER: 3 Records Coco Gauff Can Break at the WTA Finals
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Brad Gilbert talks about the change in Gauff’s game
Before coaching the American teenage sensation, Gilbert, in his early coaching days, has also been a part of the American legend Andre Agassi’s coaching staff. He has tried to instill a similar game sense in Gauff as he did for Agassi.
Opening up about this, he said, “She made some big changes on the fly last week that I implemented. It’s made a huge difference. She was making a ton of returns. This principle is at the heart of their approach, focusing on the details, controlling what’s in their hands, and aiming for victory. It’s all about mastering the small things, making them count in the present.”
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After a disappointing stint at the WTA Finals last year, Gauff will be hoping to make a mark this year in the year-ending tournament. It’ll be interesting to see how she performs in Mexico.
Watch this story: Distressing Serena Williams Reality Leaves Gaping Void That’s Nearly Impossible to Fill for Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek