Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Ranks ATP Legends, Snubs Agassi and McEnroe

Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, made waves by excluding tennis legends Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, and John McEnroe from his top 5 ATP all-time list. Gilbert’s rankings, shared on July 16, 2026, sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Who made Gilbert’s top 5?

Gilbert ranked Novak Djokovic first, followed by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Björn Borg. Agassi, McEnroe, and Connors landed at 7th, 8th, and 9th, respectively. Gilbert praised Djokovic’s dominance, calling him the clear No. 1.

Why did Gilbert leave out Sinner and Alcaraz?

During a Tennis Podcast appearance, Gilbert explained that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, despite their recent success, lacked the career longevity to crack his top 10. He noted their limited Grand Slam titles and lower win percentages compared to past greats.

What did Gilbert say about Djokovic’s Wimbledon run?

Gilbert praised Djokovic’s aggressive play at Wimbledon 2026, where the Serb reached the semifinals before losing to Sinner. He compared Djokovic’s mental sharpness to Tom Brady’s late-career success, highlighting how experience compensates for physical decline.

Gilbert’s coaching legacy

Gilbert, who coached Gauff from 2019 to 2021, also worked with Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray. His insights carry weight, given his 20 ATP singles titles and 1990 career-high ranking of No. 4. Gilbert’s list reflects his deep understanding of the game’s history and evolution.