Coco Gauff’s former coach Pere Riba cites 'personal and family health reasons' for split: “I need to take a step back”

For the second year in a row, Coco Gauff is a contender at the WTA Finals—but this time around, there is one less person in her box in Cancun: coach Pere Riba, Spanish former player who helped guide the American to her first Grand Slam title, has been notably absent while Brad Gilbert has taken up the head coach role.

As first reported by Tennis Channel’s Chanda Rubin and Lindsay Davenport, Riba is no longer a part of Gauff’s coaching team, and on Wednesday he took to social media to confirm the split, citing “personal and family health reasons” for his departure.

“I want to inform you that Coco and I won't be continuing our journey together in 2024,” he shared on Instagram. “However, let's focus on the positive aspects of this year, 2023, as it has been a great one.

“We did our best to keep our partnership going into the next year, but unfortunately, due to some personal and family health reasons on my side, I need to take a step back.”

Gauff also confirmed the news following her opening match at the WTA Finals, which saw her defeat Ons Jabeur in commanding fashion, 6-0, 6-1. The 19-year-old said she would have wanted to continue building on their shared success—peaking with her maiden Grand Slam victory at the US Open—but alluded to the call being out of her hands.

"If it was up to me, I would've loved to have him here. But things happen, life happens. No bad terms on our end," she told press in Cancun, adding that their split took place after Beijing.

"Sometimes people think it's bigger than what it is. Some things just didn't work out. That's all. I still think he's a great guy. He did some amazing things for me personally and also for my game. I'm sure he's gonna be successful in his next step."

Riba joined team Gauff in June, before their partnership seemed to finally click on the North American hardcourts. The second half of the WTA season saw Gauff record milestone after milestone: She won in Washington D.C., her first 500-level title; then Cincinnati, her first 1000-level title; and then at the US Open, her first Grand Slam victory.

Gauff also hired Gilbert as a consultant ahead of Washington D.C., and the coaching pair was frequently seen chattering away as they supported their player. The world No. 3 did not confirm if Gilbert would continue on with her full time, or if she is back in the hunt for another coach.

“Coco, I want to express my gratitude for everything we've shared during this time. It has been truly amazing,” Riba added. “Thank you for your trust from the very beginning, for your hard work, passion, and professionalism. It has been a pleasure working with you.

“I've thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and I wish you the very best in your career. You deserve all the success.”

In Cancun, No. 3 seed Gauff is currently sitting at 1-1 in Group Chetumal after her 6-0, 7-5 defeat to Iga Swiatek on Wednesday. She faces No. 7 seed Marketa Vondrousova next in singles; In doubles, partnered with Jessica Pegula, Gauff will face Barbora Krejickova and Katerina Siniakova next.