Coco Gauff, the rising star of women’s tennis, has hit another stumbling block ahead of her Qatar Open debut on Tuesday, February 11. Fresh off a heartbreaking quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, where she fell to Paula Badosa despite a stellar run, Gauff is determined to bounce back stronger. However, just as she gears up to roar in Doha, unsettling news has emerged, casting a shadow over her preparations.
Brad Gilbert’s skin cancer diagnosis: A wake-up call for the tennis world
Brad Gilbert, the renowned coach who guided Coco Gauff during her meteoric rise, recently revealed a personal battle that has sent ripples through the tennis community. Gilbert, who also mentored legends like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, announced he has been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common yet treatable form of skin cancer.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Gilbert shared the news with his followers, urging them to prioritize their skin health.
"Good news, and maybe good news, got my call back from the doctor. It’s not a melanoma, it’s just a basal cell," he said. "I’m gonna keep reminding everybody, make sure you go see the dermatologist in the next few months. If you’ve been outside, don’t neglect it."
Gilbert’s diagnosis stems from decades spent under the sun, both as a player and coach. While basal cell carcinoma is less aggressive than other forms of skin cancer, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. Gilbert is scheduled to undergo a procedure on February 19 to remove the cancer, and he remains optimistic about his recovery.
Coco Gauff’s journey: A test of resilience
The news comes at a pivotal moment for Coco Gauff, who parted ways with Gilbert after the US Open last year. Under his guidance, she clinched her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open and later triumphed at the WTA Finals with her new coach, Matt Daly. Despite the split, Gilbert’s influence on Gauff’s career remains undeniable, and his health battle undoubtedly weighs on her mind as she prepares for her Qatar Open campaign.
Gauff’s serve, a weapon that has both propelled and plagued her game, will be under scrutiny in Doha. With Daly by her side, she aims to refine her consistency and reclaim the form that made her a household name.
As Coco Gauff steps onto the court in Qatar, her journey is a testament to resilience—both on and off the court. Gilbert’s diagnosis serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of health and vigilance, even for those at the pinnacle of their careers. For Gauff, the road ahead is not just about winning matches but also navigating the challenges that come with being a global icon. In the face of adversity, her ability to rise above will define her legacy.