Hard for me to say because Brad Gilbert is sitting here” – Serena Williams’ ex-coach criticizes Coco Gauff’s ‘bad’ technique after US Open 4R exit

Criticism of Coco Gauff’s performance following her fourth-round exit at the 2024 US Open extended beyond the fans. Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach, also criticized the 20-year-old’s “bad” technique, making her remarks in front of Gauff’s current coach, Brad Gilbert.

In an ESPN discussion with Brad Gilbert shortly after Coco Gauff’s loss, Rennae Stubbs questioned the 20-year-old’s apparent lack of confidence and pointed out her second serve as a significant “problem.”

“Where is Coco’s confidence?” Stubbs questioned. “There’s no second serve, that’s the sign. And that’s a problem.”

While Rennae Stubbs acknowledged that it was challenging to critique Gauff’s game so harshly in front of her coach, Brad Gilbert, she stressed that the young American’s flawed technique was particularly vulnerable to breaking down under pressure.

“So under pressure, bad technique breaks down and her technique is…hard for me to say because Brad [Gilbert] is sitting here…but her technique, the elbow, is too low, the grip is a little weird as well. So it’s hard for her to get that nice first serve and then the same or similar second serve,” she said.Meanwhile, Coco Gauff herself admitted that while her loss was “disappointing,” she wouldn’t “beat herself up” about it and expressed confidence in her ability to bounce back strongly.Was this article helpful?like selectedavatar selected

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff acknowledged that her loss was “disappointing,” but stated she wouldn’t “beat herself up” over it, expressing confidence in her ability to recover and come back stronger.

Nick Kyrgios offers to coach Coco Gauff amid calls for American to ‘sack’ Brad Gilbert after her US Open title defense ends in 4R loss

Nick Kyrgios has extended an offer to coach Coco Gauff following her exit from the 2024 US Open. The Australian’s gesture comes amid growing criticism and scrutiny surrounding Gauff’s ongoing partnership with her current coach, Brad Gilbert.

Gauff’s title defense at the US Open came to a disappointing end with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss to fellow American Emma Navarro in the fourth round. The 20-year-old struggled throughout the match, committing 60 unforced errors and 19 double faults at critical moments.

Following Coco Gauff’s surprising exit, fans began calling for the young American to end her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert, a sentiment that has been growing due to her inconsistent season. Despite Gilbert’s successful coaching history with players like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, many fans believe his collaboration with Gauff has been detrimental to her performance.

One user advised the 20-year-old to “sack” Gilbert, asserting that her game has “regressed” since they began working together.

“My honest advice to @CocoGauff is to sack @bgtennisnation. He became Gauff head coach in November 2023 and her game has regressed since then. Brad loves himself more than anyone else and that doesn’t work if you are a Head Coach,” the fan posted on X.

One fan suggested Nick Kyrgios as a potential replacement for Brad Gilbert, and Kyrgios himself quickly expressed his willingness to take on the role of coaching Coco Gauff.

“I’d coach her,” he commented.

I’d coach her.

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 2, 2024