The American had high hopes for it to continue this year, but things didn’t quite work out, particularly at the US Open when she fell short of expectations. All of this resulted in a lackluster performance against Emma Navarro.
It was clear after the match against Navarro that she was headed in the wrong direction and that some things needed to change. Although she made the decision to switch coaches, most people didn’t anticipate that she would.
Thoughts were raised about who might replace Gilbert in that capacity, the American athlete soon found a new coach in Matt Daly. So far, her first event with Daly has been a huge success.
She has advanced to the China Open final, where she will play Karolina Muchova, a woman she has already defeated in the championship match. When questioned about the coaching move, Gauff gave an explanation of her decision-making process.
Indeed, in all honesty, I believe it just comes down to what you’re looking for and where you are in your career. I’m obviously really young right now, so all I’m looking for is someone to help me grow over time and attempt to help me make my game as good as it can be.”
“Yeah, for me, I mean, with the relationship, adding Matt to the team, we literally just started like two weeks ago, so really only had a week to work with training-wise, then we had to come to China and the tournament.”
Gauff intended to improve her serve, which has been a major area of weakness for her at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing. Regarding her team, she stated that they are presently working on a number of problems in her game, which may have added to her difficulties.
She made it to the final despite her incredible talent, and she will have opportunities to defeat Muchova. Results-wise, the coaching move has been successful, and the US Open champion for 2023 is also pleased with what has been happening behind the scenes.
We have a lot of developmental projects underway. He’s excellent. Of course, JC is still a member of my team. For me, it involved attempting to combine two individuals who complement one other nicely. Thus far, it appears to be producing the desired results.
“I think it’s wonderful, especially behind the scenes and everything you guys don’t see. Regardless of whether I lost in the first round or the final this week, I’m satisfied with my choice. Yes, I’m glad he’s a member of the team. I think he’s already coming along quite a bit. He and JC get along great.”
Regarding her performance in Beijing, the American player acknowledged that, although she hadn’t planned to make it to the championship match, she had occasionally been pleased with the tennis she had played.
“I have the same frame of mind. Well, I’m glad to be in the championship game. I mentioned that I wasn’t expecting it. Have I played my best tennis this week? Sure, in a moment. I believe that I performed at a few levels of my best tennis today. That is obviously not the case for the entire game. That’s life; that’s tennis.”
