Maria Sharapova offers poignant advice for Coco Gauff drawing from her own experience after American parts ways with coach

Maria Sharapova became the latest name from the tennis world to weigh in on Coco Gauff’s recent split with her coach. The American parted ways with Brad Gilbert, under whose tutelage she had won her maiden, and to date only, Grand Slam title at the US Open last year.

Speaking to US Weekly in a recent interview, Sharapova, who like Gauff was coached by her father during the early part of her career, said such changes are normal for a tennis player.The Russian praised Gauff for having an “amazing head on her shoulders” and advised against reading too much into coaching changes.

“I think Coco Gauff has an amazing head on her shoulders and knows that there will be changes in her team throughout the years.”

Recalling her playing days, Sharapova said she was fortunate when it came to her coaching team and remained close to her mentors. She added that sharing a good functional relationship with one’s coach was significant given their role in one’s development.

“What you need at a certain point in your career is not what you need later in your career. 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,” Maria Sharapova said.

Gauff decided to split with coach Gilbert after a nearly 14-month partnership. He thanked the youngster for an “absolutely amazing summer run in 2023”. She reciprocated the parting message through a social media post of her own.

“It’s a fun journey” – Maria Sharapova reflects on team-building

In her interview with US Weekly, Maria Sharapova said finding the right team and building trust with them takes time. She said it is a fun journey and setbacks should not be taken too harshly.

“It takes time to build trust and learn from (one’s team) and accept their advice. But it’s a fun journey.”

Coco Gauff has not had the best of seasons in 2024 and her early exits at the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open have seen her drop out of the top five in the world rankings.