Coco Gauff has explained that the need for a “refresher” led to her shocking split from trainer Brad Gilbert. The American announced that she has signed Matt Daly to work with her long-time coach Jean-Christophe Faurel.

Gauff was mentored by Gilbert for 14 months and was part of her team when she won her first Grand Slam last year. In an emotional triumph, the 20-year-old won the US Open on home soil after narrowly missing out several times at major tournaments.

But some disagreements over the summer led to Gauff making a crucial change. Gilbert announced earlier this week that he was no longer part of the world No. 6 team.

Gauff has now explained that she replaced Daly with Gilbert as a “refresher” and believes the change can help her improve her game.

“I’m really excited,” Gauff told WTA Insider. “I think it will probably look the same next year too. I’m really looking forward to a new change and hope to improve other parts of my game.”

“Brad was really great to work with and obviously we had a great partnership. I think it was just time to reboot, do a refresh and incorporate some things into my game that I think I need to do to have a better season next year.”

Daly has previously worked with ATP star Denis Shapovalov and has been part of the coaching team of several players in the top 100. Gauff hopes that she can go consistently far in Grand Slams a year after her success at the US Open.

Their defense of this title was ultimately unsuccessful. Emma Navarro defeated the reigning champion in the fourth round.

Gauff didn't make it past the fourth round at Wimbledon either and had to admit defeat in the third round of the individual competition at the Olympic Games.

These results may have led to her decision to part ways with Gilbert. The veteran coach, who once oversaw Andre Agassi's development, announced his departure on social media.

“Many thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely fantastic summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort,” he wrote. “Coco, at just 20 years old, your future looks incredibly bright and I wish you continued success.” I look forward to the next chapter of my coaching career.”