Coco Gauff prepares for new chapter with emotional message to coach who helped secure Grand Slam breakthrough

Coco Gauff hailed legendary tennis coach Brad Gilbert after they parted ways.

The 63-year-old joined Gauff’s team 14 months ago and helped inspire her US Open triumph in 2023.

Gilbert was appointed as the 20-year-old’s coach 10 months ago, but confirmed he had left his role in a statement on Wednesday.

“Thank you @bgtennisnation ! We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!” Gauff posted on X following the announcement.

Their split comes after Gauff’s shock loss to Emma Navarro in the fourth round of the US Open.

Entering the tournament as defending champion, she failed to live up to expectations in front of her home crowd.

Now, just over two weeks later, Gilbert confirmed he was leaving her team, telling his social media followers: “Thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort.

“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.”

A former world no.4 as a professional, Gilbert has since become a successful coach, commentator and author.

During his coaching career he’s worked with many huge names, including Sir Andy Murray, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick.

Renowned as a tactician who focuses heavily on the mental aspect of the game, Gilbert is known to improve players’ on-court intelligence, writing a book exactly about that subject.

However, his efforts didn’t seem to fit with Gauff, despite some success in 2024.

The 20-year-old American had two Grand Slam semi-final appearances in the Australian and French Opens, but matched her fourth round US Open exit by leaving Wimbledon at the same mark.

She did, however, win the doubles at Roland Garros alongside Katerina Siniakova.