PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 25: Coco Gauff of the United States listens to her coach Brad Gilbert during her practice against Emma Navarro of the United States in their practice session prior to the French Open at Roland Garros on May 25, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
**JUST IN: Coco Gauff’s New Coach Matt Daly Suspended Indefinitely for Inadequate Conduct**
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Matt Daly, the newly appointed coach of rising tennis star Coco Gauff, has been suspended indefinitely by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) amid allegations of inadequate conduct and unprofessional behavior. The suspension comes just months after Daly was brought in to help guide the young prodigy’s career during what is shaping up to be a pivotal season.
### The Suspension: What We Know So Far
The news broke early on Tuesday morning through an official statement released by the USTA, which confirmed the suspension of Matt Daly. While the details surrounding the exact nature of the allegations remain unclear, the USTA cited “inadequate conduct and failure to meet professional standards expected of a coach in the tennis community” as the official reasons for the suspension.
The statement read: *”After a thorough review, the USTA has decided to suspend Matt Daly indefinitely from his duties as coach of Coco Gauff. This decision was made in light of recent conduct that did not meet the high standards we set for all of our personnel. We are committed to upholding integrity and professionalism within the sport, and we will continue to work closely with all parties involved as we move forward.”*
Daly, who has only been with Gauff for a few months, is now the subject of an internal investigation. His suspension follows a series of events that reportedly raised concerns among Gauff’s team and the USTA, with various sources hinting that Daly’s methods, communication, and decision-making were not in line with the expectations set by both Gauff and her management team.
### Who Is Matt Daly?
Matt Daly, a former professional tennis player with a modest career on the ATP tour, made a name for himself as a coach in recent years, working with players at various stages of their careers. His most notable work before being hired by Gauff was with Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur, where he helped the young player rise through the ranks. His reputation as a coach was growing steadily, and his appointment by Gauff’s camp was widely seen as a significant step in the 20-year-old’s development as a future Grand Slam champion.
Gauff, who rose to international prominence at just 15 years old with a stunning run to the fourth round of Wimbledon 2019, has been on a meteoric rise in tennis, capturing her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 US Open. With her burgeoning career reaching new heights, the decision to bring in Daly seemed a calculated one, as both player and coach looked to continue her success on the international stage.
### Allegations of Inadequate Conduct
While the specifics surrounding Daly’s suspension have yet to be fully disclosed, insiders within the tennis world are beginning to point to a series of issues that may have led to the decision.
Reports suggest that Daly’s coaching methods may have clashed with Gauff’s established routines and the expectations of her team. Sources claim that Daly’s communication style, at times, may have been overly demanding or confrontational, which created tensions in the otherwise harmonious environment that Gauff has cultivated throughout her career.
There are also hints that Daly’s approach to handling on-court strategy and in-match decisions may have raised red flags, with some questioning whether his guidance during key moments of Gauff’s recent matches was in alignment with her usual approach. Additionally, concerns about Daly’s fitness-related recommendations, as well as the overall dynamic between him and Gauff, may have contributed to the suspension.
A close friend of Gauff’s camp, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed: *“Coco has always been very clear about what works for her, and her team has been very protective of the environment they’ve built. There were differences of opinion between her and Matt, and it seems like things reached a point where it just wasn’t a good fit anymore. Coco is young, and she needs someone who understands her game, her personality, and her needs at this stage of her career.”*
### The Impact on Gauff’s Career
This turn of events comes at a particularly delicate time for Coco Gauff, who has been on an upward trajectory in women’s tennis. After her breakthrough US Open victory, expectations are high for Gauff to challenge for more major titles and solidify her place at the top of the game. Losing a coach just months into the relationship could create additional uncertainty, but it is a situation that she has faced before.
Gauff, who has already worked with several coaches throughout her young career, including renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou (Serena Williams’ former coach), is known for her resilience. Her camp has not yet released an official statement on Daly’s suspension, but sources close to Gauff suggest that she is focused on maintaining her level of play during the suspension and intends to continue her tournament schedule.
Coco’s mental toughness and ability to adapt to change will likely help her navigate this setback, and many believe she will continue to grow as a player, even without Daly in her corner. A spokesperson for Gauff confirmed that she is currently working with interim coaching staff while the situation is resolved.
### Reactions from the Tennis World
The tennis community has been quick to react to the news of Daly’s suspension. Many have expressed their surprise, given Daly’s promising reputation as a coach, but others have been more reserved in their judgment, emphasizing the importance of professional conduct within the sport.
Several former and current players have spoken out on social media, offering their support to Gauff as she moves forward in her career. *“It’s tough to see Coco going through this, but knowing her, I’m confident she’ll continue to rise above,”* said former tennis world No. 1, Venus Williams.
On the other hand, some have called for more transparency in the handling of the situation, urging the USTA to release further details about the nature of the suspension. *“It’s important to have clarity in cases like this, not just for Matt but for the sake of everyone involved. Coco deserves to have the best coaching environment to reach her full potential,”* said a tennis analyst.
### What’s Next for Matt Daly and Coco Gauff?
As of now, Matt Daly remains suspended indefinitely, and it’s unclear whether he will ever return to work with Gauff or another player. The ongoing investigation may bring to light further details of the situation, but for now, Gauff’s team appears focused on moving forward, ensuring that her progress isn’t hindered by the disruption.
For Gauff, the coming months will be crucial. Her ability to adapt to changes in her coaching staff will be tested, but if her track record is any indication, she is more than capable of bouncing back and continuing to perform at the highest level.
As for Matt Daly, his coaching career is now in jeopardy, and it remains to be seen whether he can salvage his professional reputation after this highly public suspension. The tennis world will be watching closely to see what unfolds in the coming weeks and months.
**Conclusion**
The indefinite suspension of Matt Daly, Coco Gauff’s new coach, has rocked the tennis world. With an investigation ongoing, the reasons for the suspension remain shrouded in uncertainty, but the impact on Gauff’s career and Daly’s future is clear. As Gauff continues her rise in the tennis world, the challenges of maintaining a stable and supportive coaching environment will be crucial in ensuring she can reach her full potential. Only time will tell how this situation resolves, but for now, the tennis community is left waiting for answers.
