Days After Coco Gauff’s Former Coach Questions Iga Świątek’s Cincinnati Run, Star Coach Hits Out at Negative Attention

The tennis world has been buzzing after Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, raised questions about Iga Świątek’s match timings at the 2025 Cincinnati Open.

He pointed out that Świątek received frequent 11 AM slots on Center Court. The Pole, meanwhile, received strong backing from a legendary coach who criticized the negative comments, opining that coaches should focus on training and avoid complaining.

Why are Iga Świątek’s Cincinnati Open Match Timings Being Questioned?

Gilbert made waves on social media when he pointed out a pattern in Świątek’s Cincinnati Open schedule. The coach suggested the world No. 3 frequently played in the 11 a.m. opening slot on Center Court.

He speculated whether the player was being granted her preferred schedule on request. “You don’t even have to look at schedule and know Iga Pop on 1st at 11am wonder if her team ask for that or just happens that way a lot,” Gilbert wrote on X.

Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, fired back at comments like Gilbert’s that questioned Świątek’s involvement. In his response, Macci wrote:

“Iga did not make the draw or who she played at Wimbledon. She did not make the schedule of playing times in Cincinnati. Coaches need to focus on no more excuses and training instead of chirping and complaining.”

Iga did not make the draw or who she played at Wimbledon. She did not make the schedule of playing times in Cincinnati. Coaches need to focus on no more excuses and training instead of chirping and complaining. @WTA

— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 16, 2025

Interestingly, this scheduling debate came after Gilbert had previously cast a shadow over Świątek’s Wimbledon victory, noting that she didn’t face any top-10 players in her campaign. The veteran suggested that the draw made her path easier, seemingly prompting Macci to defend the Pole once again.
“People say Iga did not beat a top 10 player to win W they are correct,” Macci had written earlier. “She did not beat them, she punished them. Also the Polish Punisher was SO connected mind and body BUT she does not have the connections to make the draw.”

MORE: Serena Williams’ Former Coach Claps Back at Critics Downplaying Iga Świątek’s Wimbledon Win

Świątek’s Cincinnati Open 2025 Campaign

Świątek showed her prowess on the Cincinnati courts throughout the tournament, defeating Anastasia Potapova in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. She advanced to the fourth round when Marta Kostyuk withdrew. Here, she beat Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-4.
In her quarterfinal match, the six-time Grand Slam champion overcame a tough challenge from Anna Kalinskaya, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Russian saved four match points before Świątek finally converted her fifth opportunity to seal the victory.

She is set to face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. The Kazakh player stunned defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Despite Świątek leading their head-to-head 5-4, Rybakina has shown excellent form heading into their clash.