"Of course, I would do it" - Former coach of Serena Williams open to coaching Coco Gauff despite recent criticism
WTA
After splitting with coach Brad Gilbert following a disappointing US Open performance, Coco Gauff could have an impressive list of new coaching options, which includes Rennae Stubbs, ex-coach of Serena Williams.
The American phenom was ousted in the round of 16 at Flushing Meadows by compatriot Emma Navarro, a loss that saw the defending champion heavily criticized by Stubbs while on an ESPN panel, as she stood only a few feet away from Gilbert.
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Stubbs throws her name into the mix
On a recent episode of her podcast, Stubbs was asked by a fan why she wasn't already coaching Gauff.
"Because I don’t make those decisions, Joe," replied the retired Australian player. "Those decisions with any coaching situation comes from the agent. In respect to Coco Gauff, I would imagine her agent, her parents and then Coco. And the three of those will talk among themselves, I’m sure.
"Of course, I would do it. I mean I wouldn’t say no to (an) opportunity with a great player, there’s no way. But that’s not a decision for me to make. I love Coco, I think she’s an incredible kid. And I can say kid because she’s like more than half my age.
"I think she’s an incredibly hard worker, I respect the heck out of her. She has only ever been an amazing person to be around. She responds to you, she looks you in the eye."
"Of course, I would do it. I mean I wouldn’t say no to (an) opportunity with a great player, there’s no way. But that’s not a decision for me to make. I love Coco, I think she’s an incredible kid. And I can say kid because she’s like more than half my age.
"I think she’s an incredibly hard worker, I respect the heck out of her. She has only ever been an amazing person to be around. She responds to you, she looks you in the eye."
Stubbs worked with Karolina Pliskova and Eugenie Bouchard before coaching Williams at the 2022 US Open, the final tournament of her career. Following her split with Gilbert, Gauff has since added Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel to her coaching staff. However, it is yet to be seen if the World No.6 will add more members to her team.
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