Coco Gauff backed to reach No 1 next year by former coach as reason for split revealed
Coco Gauff’s former coach Pere Riba has declared that he is “convinced” the American star will become world No 1 next year after the pair’s split.
The Spaniard explained he had stepped down from his role as Gauff’s coach “for family issues of a personal nature” and said he was happy “because all the objectives were met.”
Gauff appointed Riba during the grass-court season in June and she added legendary coach Brad Gilbert to her team in Washington in August.
The 19-year-old enjoyed the best spell of her career with the two coaches on board, winning the WTA 500 event in Washington, the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati and the US Open for her maiden Major triumph. This was the first time Gauff had won an event at each of these levels.
The American is at a career-high ranking of world No 3 after a superb run of 22 wins in her last 24 matches since an opening-round loss to Sofia Kenin at Wimbledon in July.
During a press conference at the WTA Finals in Cancun this week, Gauff confirmed Riba had left her coaching team after the China Open in Beijing last month.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t my decision. But we had to end the partnership. If it was up to me, I would have loved to have him here. But you know, things happen. Life happens. So no bad terms on our end,” said Gauff.
“Sometimes people think it’s bigger than what it is. But some things just didn’t work out and that’s all. I still think that he was a great guy. And obviously, he did amazing things for me personally and also for my game. So I’m sure he’s going to be successful in his next step.”
Speaking to Marca, Riba outlined why he had decided to part ways with Gauff and expressed his satisfaction at the success of their collaboration.
“For family issues of a personal nature. I am very happy with the work we have done together, because all the objectives were met, and I am convinced that next year Gauff will be number one,” said the Spaniard.
Gauff is yet to reveal whether she will bring in another coach to replace Riba and complement Gilbert, who will remain on her team.
The 19-year-old dismantled Ons Jabeur 6-0, 6-1 in her opening match at the WTA Finals. She will face world No 2 Iga Swiatek in her second round-robin encounter on Wednesday, before a meeting with Marketa Vondrousova on Friday.
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