At the 2024 US Open, Coco Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, addressed the American teen’s progress in the tournament, offering a reflective and supportive perspective in the face of ongoing criticism.
Despite Gauff’s consistent rise as one of the sport’s top talents, she has faced scrutiny for her game’s weaknesses, particularly her forehand and occasional mental lapses during key matches.
**Brad Gilbert’s Verdict on Gauff’s Development**
Gilbert, a highly respected figure in tennis coaching, shared his insights on Gauff’s performance, emphasizing that her progress is remarkable given her age and the pressures she faces.
He pointed out that Gauff, still a teenager, has already achieved milestones that many players twice her age would only dream of.
Gilbert praised Gauff’s resilience, maturity, and ability to adapt under pressure, highlighting that her game continues to evolve despite the inevitable criticism that comes with being in the spotlight.
Gilbert believes that Gauff’s strong work ethic and willingness to take constructive feedback have been instrumental in her success.
He noted that, as her coach, he has seen firsthand how she is willing to address her vulnerabilities, particularly on her forehand side, which has often been targeted by opponents.
According to Gilbert, Gauff has put in extra hours to improve this area, and while there is still room for growth, the progress she’s made has already paid dividends during this year’s US Open.
**Criticism and Mental Fortitude**
Amid her rise, Gauff has faced a mix of praise and criticism, with some detractors suggesting that her development has been slower than expected or that she hasn’t been able to capitalize on key moments in major tournaments. Gilbert, however, disagrees with these notions.
He underscored that Gauff’s mental fortitude is one of her strongest assets, enabling her to navigate the immense pressure of being a top American prospect at the age of 20.
He argued that expectations placed on young players like Gauff are often unrealistic, and that she has been handling the weight of those expectations admirably.
Gauff’s ability to tune out the noise, stay focused on her game, and continually push herself to improve is something Gilbert holds in high regard.
He also pointed out that no player is immune to criticism, especially those who rise to prominence so quickly, but that Gauff’s ability to weather the storm and use criticism as motivation is commendable.
**Tactical Adjustments and Strategy**
From a tactical standpoint, Gilbert believes Gauff’s game is becoming more rounded. Her serve has become a potent weapon, allowing her to dictate points more effectively.
Additionally, her court coverage and athleticism have always been standout features, but Gilbert emphasized that Gauff’s understanding of match strategy and point construction has improved notably under his guidance.
Gauff’s ability to mix up her shots, implement more variety in rallies, and take more risks at crucial moments are key factors that Gilbert believes will serve her well as she continues her career.
**Looking Ahead**
Gilbert remains optimistic about Gauff’s future, noting that despite the pressures and criticisms, she has the potential to reach even greater heights in the sport.
He stressed that development is a gradual process and that Gauff’s trajectory is on the right path. With each tournament, she gains more experience and is better equipped to handle high-pressure situations.
As the US Open progresses, Gilbert is confident that Gauff will continue to showcase her growth and maturity on the court, silencing critics along the way.
He is also hopeful that the hard work they’ve put in together will manifest in even stronger performances in the future, as Gauff continues to aim for Grand Slam titles and solidify her place among the elite players in tennis.
In the end, Gilbert’s perspective is one of patience and confidence in Gauff’s potential, noting that her progress, while gradual, is steady and will ultimately lead to more success on the biggest stages.
