As Coco Gauff heads towards her next coaching change, Maria Sharapova doesn't see it as a massive issue to keep changing coaches at what is an early juncture of her career.
Gauff of course is a Grand Slam champion but she has struggled in recent times with form and was unable to defend her title recently at Flushing Meadows. After crashing out to Emma Navarro in New York and for a second consecutive major, she decided to dispense with Brad Gilbert.
Gilbert being a renowned coach for his time with Andre Agassi delivered her greatest success. But at times it went stale which prompted a change. While it is unsure which route she will next take, Sharapova speaks from experience and says that it is all part of a process.
She said that she had a good relationship with each coach that was part of her development and that what you need at one point is not what you then need down the line which perhaps chimes with Gauff. As well as that it takes time to really build trust and a team to base foundations around which is what Gauff will hope to do with her next change.
“I think Coco has an amazing head on her shoulders and knows that there will be changes in her team throughout the years," said Sharapova to US Weekly.
“What you need at a certain point in your career is not what you need later in your career,” the retired tennis player continued. “I was very fortunate with the teams that I had. I still remain very close to all of my coaches. They’re such big team members and they carry so much weight. A team is really important.”
“It takes time to build trust and learn from [your team] and accept their advice. But it’s a fun journey.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- …and Foseca ;)DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- All the men dropping like flies. Something’s gotta be done with the tournament calendar or many more players will be on the sidelines in the near future. Surprised Carlos is back as soon as he is. Get well soon Sinner, Draper, Fokina, Rune, etc. etc. etc……DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
Loading
