Who Is Coco Gauff’s Coach, Matt Daly and Which Big Tennis Star Did He Coach Before? Everything to Know of This Exciting Partnership
Earlier this month, legendary coach Brad Gilbert eventually announced the inevitable. “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career,” he said on social media, ending his largely successful partnership with the American star. However, Gilbert’s void has been filled quickly as Coco Gauff got a new coach in Matt Daly.
Gauff added Daly to her coaching team alongside long-time mentor, Jean-Christophe (“JC”) Faurel. Interestingly, Daly is a former player but didn’t make it big, reaching a career-high ranking of 941 in 2003. Eventually, he turned to coaching and the 45-year-old has had quite some success in this field.
Daly, a former collegiate tennis player at Notre Dame, recently coached Denis Shapovalov on the ATP Tour. The two joined forces back in May 2023 but Daly had a forgettable time coaching the Canadian star. Shapovalov hardly found any success working with Daly and the two eventually split seven months later. Gauff began working with him shortly before the China Open. While Faurel continues to mentor Gauff, Daly will add a different dimension to Gauff’s game, which will hopefully get her form back on track.
Neither will impress
What do you think is the main reason behind Iga Swiatek’s recent decline in form?
Pressure of expectations
Injury concerns
Lack of motivation
Tough competition
Do you think Iga Swiatek’s sudden absence is a cause for concern?
Yes, definitely
No, she’ll be back stronger
Not sure, need more information
Do you think Alexander Zverev’s withdrawal from the China Open is justified?
Yes, he needs to focus on his health
No, he should have played
It’s a strategic move
Not sure
Do you think a Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal team-up will dominate the Davis Cup?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but it’s too early to tell
Only if they stay injury-free
Do you agree with Jannik Sinner’s advice to Carlos Alcaraz on ATP scheduling?
Absolutely
Not at all
Partially
Need more context
Should Serena Williams follow Roger Federer’s lead and create a similar initiative for WTA stars?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, but with a twist
Only if she wants to
Do you agree with Alexander Zverev’s criticism of the ATP?
Absolutely
Not at all
Do you think Anna Kalinskaya’s brand switch will impact her performance on the court?
Yes, positively
Yes, negatively
No, it won’t make a difference
Not sure
Who do you think will dominate the China Open match?
Alycia Parks
Wang Qiang
Too close to call
Do you agree with Andy Roddick’s defense of the Laver Cup format?
Absolutely
Not at all
Somewhat
I don’t care
What do you think makes Roger Federer so intimidating on the court?
His skill
His mental toughness
His charisma
His experience
Do you think Jannik Sinner’s diverse athletic background gives him an edge in tennis?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not really
No way
Further, Coco Gauff even sounded excited about joining this new partnership. She revealed, “I think this is probably what it will look like next year too. I’m super excited for a new change and hopefully to improve other parts of my game. Working with Brad was really great and obviously we had a great partnership. It was just time to do a reset, a refresh and add some things in my game that I felt like I need to do to have a better season next year.”
Before Daly joined forces with Gauff, the latter received many interesting options. One among them was Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs.
What did Rennae Stubbs say about coaching Coco Gauff?
Toward the end of Williams’ playing career, Stubbs worked with the American legend as she looked to cap off her career on a high. Stubbs was Williams’ coach at the 2022 US Open, which was her last tournament. Interestingly, the 24-time Grand Slam champion managed to pull off two amazing victories before losing against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round. With memories flashing back to those times, some called for Stubbs to join forces with Gauff.
Asked if she would like to coach Gauff, Stubbs mentioned, “Of course, I would do it. Yeah. I mean, I wouldn’t say no to an opportunity to work with a great player, and there’s no way. Of course, I would do it, but that’s not a decision for me to make. And I love Coco. I think she’s an incredible kid.”
Apart from Stubbs, the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka’s former coach, Sascha Bajin were also in the reckoning to replace Brad Gilbert. But with Daly joining Gauff’s coaching team, things look settled now and the American sensation will look to cap off her season on a high.
