The tennis world wasn’t quite prepared for this bombshell. After a season that saw highs and lows for American sensation Coco Gauff, she was certainly expected to make some strategic changes—but her latest move has taken everyone by surprise. In a decision that’s left fans and insiders buzzing, Gauff has parted ways with her coach, Brad Gilbert.

The information about their split was shared by Gilbert himself on his X account. Taking to the platform, the 63-year-old wrote, “Thanks 🙏 to @CocoGauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort.”

Continuing further, he wished Gauff good luck in her future endeavors. “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I’m excited for the next chapter in my Coaching career. 👊👍💪🎾.” Remember, Gauff’s decision comes in the backdrop of a disastrous season she witnessed.

The American star failed to witness much success throughout the season, but a series of major setbacks came during the American hard court swing. The star player was whisked out in the second match of her Canadian Open and the opener match itself of her Cincinnati Masters campaign. She also failed to defend her US Open title and lost to Emma Navarro in the fourth round. As she now prepares to make some crucial changes to her team, fans have expressed mixed emotions.

Brad Gilbert’s split with Coco Gauff draws mixed reactions

Taking to X, several users expressed their sentiments about the end of the partnership between the two. While some welcomed the decision, others termed it as a shocker and an opportunity to grasp for other ATP and WTA players.

Taking to X, one user wrote, “Naomi Osaka should have waited a week….” Remember, the Japanese sensation announced a split with her former coach Wim Fissette on September 14 and was later seen practicing with Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou. This drew a lot of criticism from the tennis community, with many hinting that Osaka made a hasty and wrong decision. Now, with the split between Coco Gauff and Gilbert taking center stage, fans believe that Osaka could have used it in her favor by partnering with the American coach.

Responding to Gilbert’s post, a user wrote, “Tsitsipas needs some direction and focus.” The Greek tennis sensation has also faced some testing times this season. He could not make a remarkable success in any Grand Slams this season and in the recently concluded US Open, he was ousted in the first round itself. Besides, his split with his father, who coached him on the courts, also added to his struggles, leaving Tsitsipas with a lot of questions to answer. In such situations, fans believe that Gilbert might extend some crucial help to the star player. However, certain fans lauded the decision as well. 

“This change should have been made a long time ago,” the user wrote. Interestingly, Gauff and Gilbert engaged in some verbal tussles this season. Trailing behind in the fourth-round match in Wimbledon against Emma Navarro, Gauff looked towards her box in the second set, wanting some help. “Tell me something. You guys aren’t saying anything,” Gauff shouted in frustration.

While a puzzled Brad Gilbert tried to give her a Plan B through gestures, it didn’t work out eventually. Similar scenes unfolded during the US Open as well. Since then, Gauff fans have been demanding a change in coaching for the player and have been suggesting she oust Gilbert. But amidst the backlashes, Gilbert also witnessed praise for his extensive support to Gauff. 

Taking to the platform, one user wrote, “I just want to say congrats BG on taking Coco to her Grand Slam victory in New York last year. It was never going to be easy to back that up this year, for obvious reasons. So, for me, you do not deserve criticism, but utmost praise on that amazing Grand Slam achievement together.”

The partnership between the two lasted for only 14 months. Remember, Gilbert joined the Gauff camp in July 2023 as the consultant before being appointed as the coach in November. The former pro also witnessed Gauff clinch her first and only Grand Slam title so far in the US Open last year. Their partnership had also received immense praise from Gauff herself in the past. 

One more user simply lauded Gilbert and wrote, “Wow, this is a shock. You did a great job helping Coco get her first grand slam and #2 in the world 🙏🏼.” As the series of reactions continue to pour in from tennis enthusiasts, it would be interesting to see what unfolds for Gauff and Gilbert going forward.