Coco Gauff's split with coach not surprising

Something had to give.

Coco Gauff had to split from coach Brad Gilbert after an underwhelming 2024 that saw her suffer an early exit from the Paris Olympics and consecutive fourth-round losses to Emma Navarro at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

The string of losses came just a year after the American went on an incredible 22-1 stretch that included wins in Washington, Cincinnati and the U.S. Open all while still a teenager.

At the start of the year, many expected her to build off her magical 2023. The opposite happened. Her game regressed, and when she needed direction, Gilbert was seemingly unable to guide her.

For example, after Gauff lost at Wimbledon, she openly admitted to needing "more direction" from Gilbert after the player and coach were seen arguing on the sidelines during points.

The dissension between the two became even more apparent at Flushing Meadows. After Gauff committed 19 double faults in her loss to Navarro, Gilbert made an awkward appearance on the ESPN desk to discuss the chinks in Gauff's technique. That was probably the last straw.

On Wednesday, Gauff and Gilbert posted thank-you messages to each other after announcing their split.

Gauff originally hired Gilbert after a first-round exit at Wimbledon last year. The hire propelled her to go on her magical 2023 run. But it now appears their union was not meant to be. That's not to say Gilbert isn't a competent coach — he led Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick to a lot of glory. However, it became increasingly apparent in 2023 that he and Gauff weren't the right fit.

Here's hoping Gauff finds a coach that helps her recapture her 2023 form in 2025. The 20-year-old still has a bright future, and in a few years, her 2024 disaster will probably be viewed as an anomaly.