He may be considered the bad boy of tennis but Nick Kyrgios thinks he would make a good coach for Coco Gauff.
The defending U.S. Open women’s champion was ousted in the Round of 16 by fellow American Emma Navarro in three sets.
It was a repeat showing from the Americans, after Gauff missed the quarterfinals at Wimbledon at the hands of Navarro.
Coach Brad Gilbert has been under fire for Gauff’s latest underwhelming performance at a Grand Slam.
Despite Gilbert’s experience, both as a former professional player and previous coach of Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, fans have urged the 20-year-old to cut ties with her coach.
“My honest advice to @CocoGauff is to sack @bgtennisnation,” one tennis blogger wrote on X.
“He became Gauff head coach in November 2023 and her game has regressed since then,” they continued. “Brad loves himself more than anyone else and that doesn’t work if you are a Head Coach.”
A fan commented that Kyrgios should partner up with Gauff, to which the Australian replied, “I’d coach her.”
Kyrgios himself hasn’t played singles in more than a year due to injuries to his wrist, knee and foot, but he has been at the U.S. Open, serving as a commentator and courtside reporter.
While Kyrgios didn’t weigh in on Gilbert’s coaching of Gauff, another former player, Rennae Stubbs, was more than happy to share her thoughts during an ESPN post-match panel discussion — which included Gilbert.
“Where is Coco’s confidence?” Stubbs asked, according to the Daily Mail. “There’s no second serve, that’s the sign. And that’s a problem.”
Gauff committed 60 unforced errors and had 19 double faults in her 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss against Navarro.
“So under pressure, bad technique breaks down and her technique is… it’s hard for me to say because Brad [Gilbert] is sitting here… but her technique, the elbow, is too low, the grip is a little weird as well,” Stubbs continued.
“So it’s hard for her to get that nice first serve and then the same or similar second serve.”
It was a tough interview to watch, as Gilbert appeared a little shocked at the criticism.
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During the match, Gauff’s struggles with her service game were evident, and could often be seen looking at her box, once demanding, “Tell me something!”
It’s not the first time Kyrgios has offered up his coaching services to a player this year.
Following the men’s singles final at Wimbledon earlier this year, the 29-year-old extended an invitation to Kate Middleton to become the Princess of Wales’ personal tennis coach.
“Maybe I’m a little bit too volatile,” Krygios said to BBC Sport, “but look, I’ve got a lot of time on my hands at the moment so I’m happy to coach (the princess).”