Coco Gauff receives coaching offer from rival's old mentor after Gilbert split

Coco Gauff receives coaching offer from rival’s old mentor after Gilbert split

Posted by Admin September 20, 2024 Tennis

The 20-year-old ended her coaching relationship with Gilbert shortly after her disappointing US Open exit. Gauff came in as the defending champion but lost to Emma Navarro in the fourth round, hitting 19 double faults and 60 total unforced errors.

On Wednesday, Gilbert announced that he had parted ways with Gauff in a social media post. “Thanks to @CocoGauff 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.”

The seven-time title winner still has her secondary coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, but she will likely be looking for a new face to join her camp. And she has now received an offer from Naomi Osaka’s ex-coach.

Sascha Bajin commented on an Instagram video from tennis creator Christian’s Court which discussed four potential coaching candidates for Gauff. The German was one of the names mentioned and he shared his enthusiasm.

“I’m ready,” Osaka’s old coach wrote. “They just need to call!”

Bajin was in Osaka’s corner when she won her first two Grand Slam titles – the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. They split shortly after her triumph in Melbourne. He also won the WTA Coach of the Year award in 2018.

As well as Osaka’s maiden Grand Slam win, Bajin guided her to the Indian Wells title earlier that year. The 39-year-old also has experience working with other WTA stars. After his split from the four-time Major winner, Bajin coached Kristina Mladenovic and Dayana Yastremska.

He enjoyed a two-year stint with former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, who reached the 2021 Wimbledon final during their time together. But it remains to be seen whether Gauff does give him the call, as there are other coaches available after the American’s rivals also made mid-season changes to their camp.

Osaka split with Wim Fissette after four years together and now appears to be working with Patrick Mouratoglou. And, ahead of the US Open, Elena Rybakina ended her long-standing partnership with Stefano Vukov.