Coco Gauff started off her Citi Open campaign with a win, and she explained what her coaching situation looks like now.
Gauff has been searching for a coach for a while now and picked Pere Riba before Wimbledon. The Spaniard hasn't been coaching very long, but he's had some good results in the few years he spent as a coach. The American seemed comfortable with the Spanish coach, but Wimbledon didn't go that well.
She's hoping things turn around in Washington and after winning her opening match, Gauff talked about her coaching situation. The question came up because she's been working with Brad Gilbert, a former player who worked with several players over the years.
Well, Pere is still on my team. Brad is more of a consultant, I guess, if that makes sense.
The decision to bring in an experienced voice was a mutual one, as Gilbert has a vast experience in tennis. He coached players on both Tours to Grand Slam wins, and that's something that her current coach doesn't have in his resume. It's not a situation where he'll be travelling with her weekly.
You know, I don't think, we weren't looking for another person to travel week by week. Pere being a young coach, he's 35 years old, I think that we wanted someone with a little bit of experience in Grand Slam matches. And obviously Brad has won on both Grand Slams, coaches on both sides of the tour, so he's more, quote, unquote, a consultant. So I'm trying him this week.
It's not a permanent setup either as it's technically a trial though Gauff has liked the experience so far. The team might be growing but everyone, including her dad, has a role to fill. Perhaps this combined effort will finally yield results.
So I hope we continue. I'm liking how I'm feeling right now. But, you know, you don't know how things go. He's still doing his stuff off-court, as well. Yeah, I don't want to confuse the two. Pere is my coach and he will be throughout the US Open.
Brad is like a consultant this week. He's been on court with me. But them two are working together. So if that makes sense, kind of like how Darren is to Jannik.
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