Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Makes a Bold Call for ATP and WTA Finals to Honor the Sport’s Legends Amid Year-End Events

Coco Gauff is making a splash at the 2024 WTA Finals! Currently ranked third, she kicked off her campaign in Riyadh with a decisive victory over Jessica Pegula, winning 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour. This win puts her at the top of the Orange Group, which also includes Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova. Gauff’s momentum comes after her title win at the Wuhan Open and follows her split from coach Brad Gilbert, who seems to be quite invested in the sport even after parting ways with a top player like Coco.

Gilbert has had mixed reactions to the group naming tradition in the WTA and ATP Finals. He expressed his confusion on X, stating, “I don’t get why @atptour @WTA name the groups for year-end championships for colors.” He believes that there can be a more meaningful approach to this, especially since they are using colors like purple and orange in Saudi Arabia. He added that it’s “so beyond obvious to name the groups after former great players” instead.

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I don’t get why @atptour @WTA name the groups for yearend championships for colors. in Saudi Arabia we are going the purple and orange groups , so beyond obvious to name the groups after former great players @SharkoTennis

— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) November 3, 2024

Coco Gauff and Gilbert parted ways in September after a successful yet tumultuous partnership. Gilbert, known for coaching tennis legends like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, has shifted his focus to new projects. His recent comments about naming groups after colors in tennis have sparked discussions. These discussions focus on the significance of this tradition in modern tennis.

While he raises a seemingly valid point, the color-naming tradition has been around since 2003. The WTA and ATP Finals first introduced vibrant group names like Red and Green. This fun approach enhances competition and makes it easier for fans to engage with the events. As a result, it creates memorable identities for each group.

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Additonally, Gilbert has been vocal about his opinions regarding tennis regulations. Recently, he suggested a rule change for the ATP Tour to address situations when a top seed, like Jannik Sinner, withdraws after the draw has begun.

Ex-coach makes a statement on ATP’s withdrawal process

Sinner’s surprise withdrawal from the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters stirred up quite some buzz in the tennis world. The reigning World No. 1 pulled out due to a gastrointestinal virus just as he was ready to kick off his campaign as the top seed. After winning both the Australian Open and the US Open this year, Sinner decided to prioritize his health. Leaving his fans and players taken aback.

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In response, Brad Gilbert shared a different perspective on how to handle these situations. He suggested that instead of letting a Lucky Loser take the spot, the ATP should fill it with a 9-16 seed who hasn’t played yet. Gilbert tweeted, “Draw change I would definitely like to see on @atptour when a top seed pulls out, even after draw started, in this case Sin City allowing LL to move into 2nd rd,” His proposal aims to keep things fair and competitive as he added, “I would put a 9-16 seed into that 1st spot who had not played yet, better balance for the draw @SharkoTennis.”

Gilbert’s thoughts show his dedication to making tennis better. He believes these changes could help tournaments adapt to sudden withdrawals without throwing off the balance of the draw. What’s your take on this situation? Let us know down in the comments.

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