Coco Gauff has explained that a need to ‘refresh’ led to her shock split from coach Brad Gilbert. The American announced that she has added Matt Daly to work alongside her long-term coach Jean-Christophe Faurel.

Gauff was mentored by Gilbert for 14 months and he was part of her team when she won her maiden Grand Slam last year. In an emotional triumph, the 20-year-old lifted the US Open on home soil after several near-misses at major tournaments.

But some inconsistency over the summer has seen Gauff make a key change. Gilbert announced earlier this week that he was no longer part of the world No. 6’s team.

Gauff has now explained that she replaced Daly with Gilbert for a ‘refresh’ and believes the change can help her make improvements to her game.

“I’m really excited,” Gauff told WTA Insider. “I think this is probably what it will look like next year too. I’m super excited for a new change and hopefully to improve other parts of my game.

“Working with Brad was really great and obviously we had a great partnership. I think it was just time to do a reset, a refresh, and add some things in my game that I felt like I need to do to have a better season next year.”

Daly has previously worked with ATP star Denis Shapovalov and has been part of coaching teams for several players in the top 100. Gauff will hope she can consistently go far in Grand Slams a year on from her US Open success.

Her defence of that title was ultimately unsuccessful. Emma Navarro defeated the reigning champion in the fourth round.

Gauff also failed to get beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon and was beaten in the third round of the singles competition at the Olympics.

Those results are likely to have prompted her decision to split with Gilbert. The veteran coach – who once oversaw Andre Agassi’s development – announced their parting of ways on social media.

“Thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” he wrote. “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career.”