Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Spills the Beans on Why WTA Stars Are More Committed Than Their ATP Counterparts

The dedication and professionalism required for success transcend gender. However, former US Open champion Coco Gauff’s coach Per Riba has a surprising revelation about the matter. This coach, who also happens to be a former Barcelona tennis player, hardly had some months after his retirement. This is because he rapidly joined coaching and brought two incredibly talented tennis players to the world and they are Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng.

Riba started working with Gauff in 2023 before the Eastbourne International tournament. His first impression of Gauff was arrogant since he knew zero about the American tennis star when they first met. However, Riba accepted Gauff’s brilliance and how this talent brought Gauff her desired popularity. Now he delves deeper into why female tennis players are “much more professional” than male players.

Coco Gauff’s ex-coach gives his two cents about WTA stars over ATP players

In a recent interview with Elle Magazine, Riba spoke about his coaching journey, experiences with Coco Gauff, and many other important aspects of tennis. While being asked about an exclusive learning about women that he didn’t have before, Riba commented- “I always say that women, in general, are much more professional. I don’t want to say all of them, because there are guys who are too. But, at least from my experience, if you show them that you are involved and committed, they seem to me more committed, efficient and disciplined than men.”

Riba’s statement showcased that WTA players are more hardworking if they are encouraged enough. However, the pay disparity is a big issue in professional tennis. Since money is a big driving force, such discriminations often demotivate WTA players to work hard and improvise. Pere Riba coached a talented Grand Slam winner like Coco Gauff, so his experience might have been different than others. He once spoke about his realization with the American WTA prodigy.

Pere Riba accepted that Coco Gauff is “an amazing tennis player”

Coach Pere Riba has not always been so positive about Coco Gauff. However, with continuous partnership, he realized the American tennis player’s worth. Riba once said- “Now I understand why the people love Coco Gauff. It is not only because she is an amazing tennis player. She’s also an amazing, amazing person. I did not know she was like that. I was expecting less. When you know more of her you can see that is how she is – the education, the manners, how she treats people, the way that she finishes the practice. She is taking care of the things.”

Pere Riba’s high praise for Coco Gauff wasn’t just a compliment – it was a revelation. Moreover, his statement, regarding the commitment of WTA starts underscored not only the overall strength of the women, but also the immense potential he sees in his pupil.

Read more: Moment of Respite for 19-Year-Old Coco Gauff as Tennis Gamble With ‘One of the Greatest Minds’ Work Wonders at Citi Open 2023