Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, stirred debate by criticizing World No. 3 Iga Świątek’s match scheduling at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. However, his remarks were countered by Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci, who sided with the Pole and urged coaches to concentrate on the training side of the game instead.
As differing views continued to surface regarding a player’s run at the WTA 1000 event, Gilbert offered yet another reply online.
How Did Brad Gilbert Respond After Rick Macci Defended Iga Świątek’s Cincinnati Scheduling?
Gilbert had earlier raised doubts about whether the former World No. 1 was receiving a favorable schedule, pointing out her repeated appearances in the 11 a.m. opener on Center Court.
“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.
Although Williams’s former coach, Rick Macci, didn’t directly mention Gilbert, he pushed back at suggestions that the schedule was tailored to Świątek’s preference. The 70-year-old stressed that the Pole had no role in setting Cincinnati’s schedule and urged coaches to focus on training rather than 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.”
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
Following Macci’s remarks, a fan playfully urged Gilbert to take note. However, he appeared unfazed and replied with a short message.
“laughing 😆 out loud,” he wrote on X.
laughing 😆 out loud
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 16, 2025
While discussions swirled around her Cincinnati run, Świątek kept her sights firmly on another title, advancing to the WTA 1000 final.
The Pole is just one win away from claiming her 24th career title as she prepares for the Cincinnati Open final against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. History favors Świątek, who has dominated their rivalry with a commanding 5-0 record.
Paolini, who battled past Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-3 in a grueling semifinal, last faced Świątek at the Bad Homburg Open, where the former World No. 1 allowed her little room to find rhythm, sealing a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory.
The Cincinnati final serves as a pivotal stage for both players, as they aim to finish this key US Open build-up event on a high.
