Amid Challengers movie release, Coco Gauff's coach Brad Gilbert believes actors share traits with tennis players
WTA
Brad Gilbert, Coco Gauff's
coach, remarked that actors share the same DNA as tennis players following the
premiere of "Challengers" in Los Angeles, starring actress Zendaya.
Gilbert, one of the most
prominent coaches in history, having worked with three former world No. 1s:
Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray, as well as former world No. 4 Kei
Nishikori. He continues to work with Coco Gauff, under whose tutelage she
clinched the 2023 US Open.
Attending the premiere of the
tennis-themed movie "Challengers," set to release on April 26 in the
United States, Gilbert spoke about the actors' skills in portraying
professional athletes. "All three of them have good skills. Mike was the only
one who had a little bit of a tennis background, he played in high school.
Zendaya has a lot of athleticism in dancing," Gilbert said.
"Actors have a lot of the
same DNA as tennis players – a lot of focus, a lot of determination, to really
turn what they’re doing into something on screen. They worked incredibly hard,
and it was a great pleasure to work with all three of them," he added.
Brad Gilbert joined Coco Gauff's team in 2023 and helped her secure her first Grand Slam title at the US Open
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff shared
her thoughts on the "Challengers" movie during a press conference at
the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart: "I haven't seen the movie yet,
so I'm excited. I think people shouldn't go into the movie critiquing the
tennis. I think really that's just not what the story is about. So he [Gilbert]
did tell me that," Gauff said.
"He [Brad Gilbert] said
the movie was a little out there for a 60-year-old man with the threesome and
everything like that. He did say that. But he said ‘I just wanted to focus on
the tennis and not the storyline’," she added.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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