Coco Gauff has announced a major change to her coaching team as she announced the concerning update of splitting with Spanish Coach Pere Riba who joined her ahead of 2023 Eastbourne International.
Back in June, Gauff brought Riba to her coaching faculty and not long after also added Brad Gilbert to the team as consultant. Gauff who laid hands on her maiden major has come up with a shock decision and that has surprised many because of the fact that she was in the form of her life.
With the Spaniard in her box, Gauff took her game to the new heights as she clinched her maiden WTA 500 title at the Citi DC Open in Washington before adding her WTA 1000 title at Cincinnati Masters – also a maiden in her resume. She then went one up by sealing her very first Grand Slam title at the US Open in New York.
Gauff seemed to be happy with her professional relationship with both Riba and Gilbert and suggested that the trio could have a long-term partnership, however to the shock of the teenager’s fans, commentators during her WTA finals match against Ons Jabeur divulged that Riba has left the coaching team of the American.
She confirmed the split during her post-match conference and revealed that the relationship ended after the conclusion of China Open.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t my decision,” the American said. “But we had to end the partnership. If it was up to me, I would have loved to have him here. But you know, things happen. Life happens. So no bad terms on our end.
“Sometimes people think it’s bigger than what it is. But some things just didn’t work out and that’s all. I still think that he was a great guy. And obviously, he did amazing things for me personally and also for my game. So I’m sure he’s going to be successful in his next step.”
The 19-year-old is yet to reveal if she will replace Riba or if Gilbert – who worked with Andy Roddick Andre Agassi – will be continue to expand his duties as a coach.
Back in August Gauff discuseed the perfect-setup that she was having in the presence of Riba and Gilbert, adding that the duo given a new dimension to her game.
“Just having a new perspective these last couple of weeks helped me a lot mentally in the way I see the game. I think just having two really different generations coaching me – Pere only stopped playing three or four years ago and Brad won this tournament in ’89 so it’s a completely different spectrum. It’s cool to see the different dynamic,” she said.
“At first I was worried because I didn’t know Brad really that well, nor Pere. Some people do have ego issues and don’t want to work with another person and blah, blah, blah, but they have made this as smooth as possible and that was one of the things I was scared of.
“I knew I needed a new coach and I knew I needed to bring in someone with experience, but it is not always as easy. People still have to be able to work together and I think that dynamic has helped me a lot.”
The exact root of their separation is yet to be revealed as further development awaits but it clearly a big blow to the Gauff fans, given the notable success the American has garnered during Riba’s short coaching stint.
Riba in a recent interview shared his experience and coaching relationship with Gauff. The Spaniard attributed the success of WTA #3 to her upbringing and suggested that her charge had a very clear idea of how to progress.
“When you know more of her, you can see that is how she is—the education, the manners, how she treats the people, the way that she finishes the practice, stays outdoors for the fans. She is taking care of the things. I say many times to her, ‘Coco, you are too nice.’ She is unbelievable. Coco is 12 points from 10,” said Riba about Gauff.
Overall, it was despite being short, a worthwhile collaboration as the former World No. 65 helped the American to develop her game by adding missing pieces to it. It is quite possible that Gilbert who initially took the charge as consultant and became more involved after the North American hardcourt swing could be taking the responsibility for the future course.