Coco Gauff splits with coach Brad Gilbert
NEW YORK, Sep 19: Coco Gauff split from coach Brad Gilbert after more than a year and one Grand Slam title together, the pair announced via separate messages on social media.The end of their partnership comes 2 1/2 weeks after Gauff’s defense of her 2023 championship at the U.S. Open unraveled amid 19 double-faults during a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss to Emma Navarro in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.That Sept. 1 loss was the latest in a series of disappointing-for-her results in recent months for Gauff, a 20-year-old American who recently dropped from No. 3 to No. 6 in the WTA rankings.It was after a first-round exit at Wimbledon last season that Gauff really took off with the help of the coaching duo of Gilbert and Pere Riba. Riba wasn’t with her this year.Gauff went 22-1 during a stretch in 2023 that included trophies at Washington, Cincinnati and the U.S. Open – her first at a major tournament – all while still a teenager.Gilbert posted a thank-you Wednesday on social media to Gauff “and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort.” “Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead,” wrote Gilbert, a former pro who has worked with players such as Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick in the past. “I’m excited for the next chapter in my coaching career.” In her message Wednesday, Gauff thanked Gilbert and added: “We had an incredible run and I wish you all the best in the future!” Their tenure also included semifinal appearances by Gauff at the Australian Open this January and French Open this June – losing to the eventual champions at both. (PTI)
Punjab edge UP to win 14th Junior hockey men’s title
JALANDHAR, Sep 19: Punjab edged out Uttar Pradesh 4-3 in a thrilling shootout to claim the 14th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship title here on Thursday.In a tightly-contested final, Sukhwinder Singh (5’), Jarman Singh (33’), and Jobanpreet Singh (39’) found the back of the net for Punjab, while Ajeet Yadav (31’), Suraj Pal (48’), and Akash Pal (54’) scored for Uttar Pradesh, leaving the teams locked at 3-3 in regulation time.During the shootout, Uttar Pradesh’s Akash Pal, Nitish Bhardwaj, and Ajeet Yadav converted their attempts, but Punjab prevailed as Japnit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Jarman Singh and Lovenoor Singh all scored to secure the title.In the third-place match, Haryana outclassed Karnataka with a commanding 5-0 victory. Amit Khasa (30’), Navraj Singh (50’), Nitin (54’), Manish Kumar (55’) and Sahil Ruhal (59’) scored to give Haryana third place on the podium. (PTI)
F1 legend Mika Hakkinen opens karting track in Chennai
CHENNAI, Sep 19: Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen on Thursday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Madras International Karting Arena (M.I.K.A.) here on Thursday.The ceremony was attended by India’s two former F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.At an emotionally charged function, Hakkinen, the F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the “Flying Finn”, provided an insight into the mind and making of a World Champion.“You must learn to lose and enjoy the win, and to control your emotions. As you move up the racing ladder, it is a whole different World out there. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. So, you must be able to deal with the pressure. But everything is up here,” he said, pointing to his temple.Hakkinen, on a whistle stop visit to India enroute to the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, was all praise for the MIKA track which he said can spawn a generation of talented drivers in India.“Karting is a good way to start your racing career, and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for kids to make a beginning. I hope they enjoy their karting stint,” he said.Hakkinen singled out Kush Maini as possibly the next Indian to make it to Formula 1. “Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel he has it in him to go all the way to F1,” he said. (PTI)