Coco Gauff’s ex-coach and former World No. 4 Brad Gilbert has been advised to mentor Ben Shelton after the American’s quarterfinal exit to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. Gilbert, who guided Gauff for 14 months until September 2024, recently evaluated Shelton’s game and highlighted key areas for improvement.
Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Urged To Guide Ben Shelton, Bringing ‘Dr. Evil Mentality’ After Australian Open Loss
Jannik Sinner kept his Australian Open three-peat bid alive on Wednesday, dominating Ben Shelton in straight sets. Exploiting Shelton’s backhand, pressuring his forehand, and controlling the baseline, Sinner sealed a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win to reach the semifinals and maintain his unbeaten Melbourne run since 2023.
Concerns were raised for Shelton, who had looked strong throughout the tournament but fell to the Italian. He’s now trailing 9-1 in their head-to-head. Following the match, Coach Gilbert identified the critical mistake that cost Shelton against Sinner.
The 20-time tour titlist explained on X that Shelton needs a dominant serve and a “Dr. Evil” mindset, like former American players John Isner and Andy Roddick, to control rallies. Against Sinner, every service game was tough, as the Italian’s groundstrokes and movement exposed him.
“We said in the morning yesterday, Shelton’s got to try and establish the serve. He’s got to be able to drop 25, 30 aces. He’s got to have that ‘Dr. Evil’ mentality that Isner or Roddick… take the racket out of their hands. Because once the rally goes against Sinner… forehand and backhand are significantly better and the movement. And yesterday, every service game for Shelton, god he had to work!” He said.
Gilbert said Shelton used too many slices and routine serves, letting Sinner dictate. He suggested Shelton start with fast, aggressive serves and go for second-serve bombs to disrupt Sinner’s rhythm and take control.
“But too many slices, kicks, curve-ball serves and just routine. So I guess that’s 22 sets on the trot but they got to be able to figure that out. But it starts with Shelton. He’s got to be able to establish the fast ball. And hell, 50 per cent of the time I think he should be going for second-serve bomb! Make the match not a rhythm match,” he added.
It is worth noting that Gilbert keeps himself closely connected to sports, frequently sharing his expert analysis on social media. His expertise isn’t limited to tennis, as he also weighs in on the NBA and NFL.
After his latest assessment, a fan suggested Shelton work with a coach like Gilbert to grow tactically. The suggestion caught Gilbert’s attention, and though he didn’t respond in words, he acknowledged it with a series of emojis.
It remains to be seen whether Gilbert will take up the suggestion. However, Shelton is currently coached by his father, Bryan, who has been in his camp since 2023.
Under his father’s mentorship, Shelton reached a career-high No. 5 and captured his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto.
Following Wednesday’s loss to Sinner, he is set to drop two spots to World No. 9 in the ATP rankings.
