Numerous American tennis players performed well in this particular US Open. On the women’s side, Coco Gauff continues to lead the way after reaching the quarterfinals. But there are three other American women who could join her there. Ben Shelton’s victory over Frances Tiafoe to advance to the semifinals has given the men’s game of tennis in America a much-needed rivalry to boost the sport.
The ongoing trash talk amongst multiple American tennis players that has been transpiring during the US Open was brought to light by Coco Gauff. Gauff gave tennis fans some behind-the-scenes information. She revealed what transpired between the American players in the cool-down area. Gauff was present there with Ben and Frances and said, “Obviously the conversation they have already started the trash talk.”
Coco made it clear that she will remain indifferent to whoever wins, but revealed she did call Ben’s outfit better than that of Frances’. She also called Carlos Alcaraz’s outfit better than Tiafoe’s and said “He’s going to hate this (for Frances).”
However, Gauff admitted Even if the finest American tennis players of this age continue to talk trash to one another, there will nevertheless be a lot of support and camaraderie behind the scenes since all American tennis players genuinely enjoy watching their friends succeed.
Coco Gauff has made an exciting new change in her team
Brad Gilbert started working as a consultant for Gauff and her group in late July, just in time for the Citi Open in Washington, DC. She won the competition, and two weeks later, in Cincinnati, she earned the biggest title of her career.
Pere Riba, a 35-year-old ambitious former World No. 65 who is moving through the coaching ranks, is Gauff’s official coach. Gilbert, Riba, and the remainder of the squad had an instant connection right away. Coco revealed how she has a bitter-sweet relationship with Gilbert. She jokingly disclosed how Brad gives her jolly ranches, yet she never eats them.
Coco Gauff appreciating the quirkiness of Brad Gilbert:
“He’s older but still has the mind of a 20 year old. Maybe even younger, a 10 year old kid sometimes.. He played every match with a jolly rancher in his mouth. He’s been giving me jolly ranchers all the time. I take them… pic.twitter.com/HBrkInaVyE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2023
Gilbert revealed why he found Coco the perfect player to work with. “I had some offers, but I will say I was looking for the right player,” he said. “I was mostly thinking about the possibility of [coaching] a young American.” And Coco fit the criteria perfectly.
Despite the few small on-court disputes the team has faced, according to Riba, Brad’s addition has had a positive effect on Coco’s game and considers it positive. “I see it as really positive, and the connection with him is so good–we are working together really well.” He said.
Gauff should embrace change and develop her game, according to Gilbert. He emphasizes that in the fiercely competitive realm of professional tennis, standing still means retreating. Gilbert has often been called a ‘Master Strategist’ and is proving to be a god’s hand for Coco according to Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic says Coco Gauff is getting close to winning a Grand Slam:
“Coco is on the rise. She’s yet to win a Grand Slam, but played in a final. She’s still young, but now with Brad Gilbert on her side with the experience of coaching some of the greats, things are coming… pic.twitter.com/llRW9nrcFN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 30, 2023
Gauff beat Mirra Andreeva in New York to go to the third round, improving her record to 13-1 since Gilbert entered team Coco. It looks like there is a huge possibility of Gauff going on to the very end of the tournament this year in New York.