Tennis

Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff's coaching partnership has come to an end after a successful year together. Gilbert announced the split on social media, expressing gratitude for their time together and wishing Gauff continued success.Gilbert, a renowned coach who has worked with Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick, joined Gauff's team in 2023. Under their guidance, Gauff enjoyed a remarkable run, winning three titles and her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.However, after a strong start to 2024, Gauff's form declined. She struggled in the spring and summer, losing in the round of 16 at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Gauff also failed to medal at the Paris Olympics and lost in the second round of both WTA 1000 events leading up to the US Open.Gilbert's departure leaves Gauff without a head coach. She is expected to return to action at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing on September 25th.Gauff's recent struggles have raised questions about her mental resilience and the need for a new coaching approach. Gilbert's departure may provide an opportunity for Gauff to reassess her game and find a coach who can help her overcome her current challenges.

The Grand Slam season has concluded, leaving behind a trail of captivating storylines that continue to unfold in the WTA. Here are five key narratives to watch:The Reign of Aryna SabalenkaDespite not holding the official No. 1 ranking, Aryna Sabalenka has emerged as the dominant force in women's tennis. Her powerful game, coupled with improved mental fortitude and tactical acumen, has propelled her to Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open this year. Sabalenka's unwavering determination to become world No. 1 again is evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence.Swiatek and Gauff's Summer StrugglesOnce ranked first and second in the world, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff experienced disappointing exits at the US Open. Swiatek's uncharacteristic errors and Gauff's serve struggles raised concerns about their mental and technical well-being. Both players may need a period of reflection and strategic planning to regain their top form.Pegula and Navarro: Triumph of Hard WorkJessica Pegula and Emma Navarro's US Open runs showcased the transformative power of hard work and dedication. Pegula, a late bloomer, overcame years of Grand Slam quarterfinal setbacks to reach the final. Navarro's ascent to the semifinals was the culmination of a decade-long partnership with her coach, Peter Ayers, who emphasized the importance of redefining mistakes and embracing a more aggressive approach.Czech Player DevelopmentFor the second consecutive major, a Czech player, Karolina Muchova, displayed an exceptional range of skills and tactics. Her ability to execute slices, volleys, and net returns effectively highlights the importance of comprehensive player development. Instructors should prioritize teaching these techniques from an early age to foster well-rounded players.Rybakina and Osaka's Uncertain FuturesElena Rybakina's withdrawal from the US Open and recent coaching change raise questions about her health and future prospects. Naomi Osaka's early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open suggest that she is still searching for consistency and tactical improvements. Both players face challenges in the coming months as they strive to regain their former dominance.

Coco Gauff's US Open title defense ended abruptly in the fourth round, falling to Emma Navarro in a rematch of their Wimbledon encounter. Despite her disappointing summer, Gauff remains optimistic, acknowledging the achievements she has made and the challenges she faces.Last year, Gauff arrived at the US Open with momentum from her breakthrough performances on North American hard courts. This year, however, she has struggled to find her footing, exiting in the fourth round of both Wimbledon and the US Open.After her loss to Navarro, Gauff praised her opponent's all-court ability and her own mental improvement since their Wimbledon match. She also reflected on her summer, acknowledging that it has not met her expectations but that she is grateful for the opportunities she has had."I feel like there's 70 other players in the draw that would love to have the summer that I had, even though it's... probably the (worst I've) done during this time of the year," Gauff said. "So many people want to be in the fourth round. So many people want to make the Olympics. So many people want to be flag bearer. It's perspective."Gauff's summer included a fourth-round appearance at the French Open, a quarterfinal finish at the Olympics, and a flag-bearing role for Team USA. Despite these accomplishments, she is determined to improve her game and reach a higher level."Obviously because I'm wanting to reach a different level, it is disappointing, but I'm not going to beat myself up and be, like, this was so bad," Gauff said. "Yeah, I expect better, but at the end of the day it happened, and I know I can turn it around."Gauff's next goal is to qualify for the WTA Finals. She plans to address the mechanical and technical flaws in her game, including her serve, which has been a liability in recent matches."Mentally I gave it and emotionally I gave it my all," Gauff reflected. "Of course, there were things execution-wise... like, obviously I wish I could serve better. I think if I would have did that, it would have been a different story for me in the match."

Emma Navarro, the No. 13 seed, stunned defending champion Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open. This marks Navarro's second consecutive major victory over Gauff, having previously defeated her at Wimbledon.Gauff, who had won her last 10 matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, struggled with her serve throughout the match, hitting 19 double faults. Navarro, on the other hand, played with composure and determination, capitalizing on Gauff's errors.In the first set, Navarro broke Gauff's serve in the opening game and held her own serve to take an early lead. Gauff saved a set point in the eighth game, but Navarro served out the set at love.Gauff fought back in the second set, breaking Navarro's serve in the seventh game and winning the next three games to force a deciding set. However, Navarro regained her composure in the third set, breaking Gauff's serve twice to take a 4-3 lead. Gauff continued to struggle with her serve, hitting two more double faults in the eighth game, which gave Navarro the opportunity to serve for the match.Navarro held her nerve and closed out the match with a strong return, advancing to the quarterfinals where she will face former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.Navarro's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, winning her first WTA title in Hobart and reaching her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the National Bank Open. Her victory over Gauff is a major upset and a sign that she is a rising star in the tennis world.

Coco Gauff, the 19-year-old tennis prodigy, has emerged as a beacon of perspective and introspection at the US Open. After a challenging summer, Gauff shifted her focus from external expectations to her own inner growth."I have to do this and do that, but I don't have to prove anything to anyone except myself," Gauff said. "I have many more years coming back here, and I'm not going to win every year."Gauff's perspective extends beyond the tennis court. She wears Olympic jewelry as a "flex," uses social media to gauge public opinion on her outfits, and blocks online harassers without hesitation. However, she remains open to constructive criticism and finds solace in the wisdom of others."A couple days ago somebody commented on my TikTok and the comment said…'You've won literally and figuratively. Why stress yourself out over a victory lap?'" Gauff recalled. "I was, like, that's actually a good perspective. No one can take that from me so why stress myself over something that I already have."Gauff's historical awareness is also evident in her admiration for Kamala Harris's presidential nomination. "It is really incredible to see how far this country has come and people of color, Black people in general," she said.Gauff's unique personality shines through in her interviews. She discusses her daily Bible readings, her two journals, and her love of tennis history. "It's peak tennis," she said of the rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. "I don't know. It's crazy."Gauff's ability to articulate her thoughts and emotions makes her a compelling figure both on and off the court. She is a role model for young athletes and a reminder that success is not just about winning, but also about personal growth and perspective.

Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro: A Rematch with StakesCoco Gauff and Emma Navarro, two rising American tennis stars, will face off in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash at the US Open. Their previous encounters have been a tale of two matches, with Gauff winning on hard courts in Auckland and Navarro triumphing on grass at Wimbledon.For Gauff, this match is a chance to avenge her Wimbledon loss. She acknowledges that Navarro has improved significantly since their last meeting and expects a tough battle. "I need to bring it and mentally be there from the beginning to the end," Gauff said.Navarro, on the other hand, is excited to showcase her skills on a grand stage like Arthur Ashe Stadium. "It's an experience that is something I could have never even dreamed of," she said.Despite their friendship, both players will put their bond aside for the duration of the match. Navarro's aggressive baseline play and anticipation of Gauff's shots proved effective at Wimbledon. Gauff, however, has been in solid form at the Open and will be motivated to avoid a second straight loss to a fellow American.Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud: A Clash of Power and PrecisionTop 15 players Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud will engage in a classic baseline battle in the fourth round. Fritz's powerful serve and strong groundstrokes will face off against Ruud's spinny forehand and consistent play.Fritz has been in impressive form, while Ruud has shown some vulnerability in his previous matches. However, Ruud's slightly higher ranking and experience may give him an edge. Fritz's home-crowd support and determination to succeed at the Open could be the deciding factors.Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin: A Battle of Friends and EntertainersAmerican Frances Tiafoe and Australian Alexei Popyrin will finally face off in a match that has been long anticipated. Despite their friendship, both players are known for their dynamic shot-making and entertaining celebrations.Popyrin's aggressive style could give him an early advantage, but Tiafoe's ability to rally the crowd and turn the match into a running battle could ultimately lead to his victory.

Coco Gauff's US Open title defense faced its first significant challenge against former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina. Despite dropping the opening set, Gauff rallied to secure a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory, extending her Flushing Meadows win streak to 10 matches.Svitolina, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, posed a formidable threat, pressuring Gauff's forehand and breaking her serve in the first set. However, Gauff's resilience shone through as she saved a break point in the second set and seized the initiative with a forehand winner.The American's momentum carried into the decider, where she broke Svitolina's serve twice to establish a 2-0 lead. Svitolina fought back, but Gauff's determination proved too strong. Despite double faulting on her first two match points, Gauff remained composed and sealed the victory with a forehand winner.Gauff's victory sets up an intriguing third-round clash against either Emma Navarro or Marta Kostyuk, both of whom have previously challenged her. The 20-year-old American will be aiming to continue her impressive run and reach the second week of the US Open once again.

Coco Gauff vs. Elina SvitolinaCoco Gauff has cruised through her first two matches at the US Open, but her performances have raised concerns about her serve and forehand. Her opponent in the third round, Elina Svitolina, is a more experienced and consistent player who could exploit Gauff's weaknesses. However, Gauff is aware of the challenge and is determined to avoid giving Svitolina any opportunities.Ben Shelton vs. Frances TiafoeThe US tennis community is eagerly anticipating the third-round clash between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. Both players are in excellent form and have reached the semifinals at the Open in the past two years. Shelton holds a 2-0 record against Tiafoe, but Tiafoe is playing with renewed confidence under his new coach. The match is expected to be a close and entertaining affair, with Shelton's power and Tiafoe's versatility likely to be key factors.Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei PopyrinNovak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin will meet for the third time this year in the third round of the US Open. Popyrin has made significant improvements in his game since their previous encounters, winning his first Masters 1000 title in Montreal. However, Djokovic remains the favorite, with his experience and return skills likely to give him the edge.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, will face his compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday. Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, will be looking to avoid a repeat of last year's encounter, where Djere was the only player to take a set off him.Djokovic, who recently triumphed at the Paris Olympics, will be eager to make a strong start against Djere, who is ranked 109th in the world. The 37-year-old Djokovic has been in impressive form this season, winning the Wimbledon and Italian Open titles.In the women's draw, defending champion Coco Gauff defeated 37-year-old Tatjana Maria in straight sets. Despite an erratic performance, Gauff managed to win the last seven games to seal the victory.Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the third round with a comfortable win over Lucia Bronzetti. The Belarusian is aiming to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hard court Grand Slam titles in the same year.In other notable matches, seventh-seeded Zheng Qinwen rallied from a set down to defeat Erika Andreeva, while eighth-seeded Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was upset by Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.In the men's draw, fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany advanced in straight sets over Alexandre Muller. Zverev will next face Tomas Etcheverry, who overcame Francisco Cerundolo in a five-set thriller.Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev and Jiri Lehecka also battled through five sets to set up a third-round meeting. Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk also advanced with a hard-fought victory over Harriet Dart.