Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, will be absent from ESPN’s coverage of the 2026 Australian Open, marking the end of a long run for one of American tennis television’s most recognizable analysts. The renowned coach recently confirmed that he will not be part of the season-opening Grand Slam as an on-air analyst, while also using the moment to reflect on his time at ESPN and outline what lies ahead for him in tennis.
Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Brad Gilbert Caught in ESPN’s Major Australian Open Broadcast Shake-Up
Gilbert’s exit is part of a broader shake-up at ESPN ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. The network finalized and released its on-air talent lineup for the 2026 tournament, and two longtime voices, Gilbert and Pam Shriver, were not included.
For Gilbert, the news closes a chapter that began more than two decades ago, during which he became a regular presence at major events, notably the Australian Open, known for its demanding schedule and deep analysis-heavy coverage.
A former top-10 player turned coach and commentator, Gilbert built his broadcasting reputation on insight drawn directly from the locker room. Over the years, he coached Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray, and more recently worked with Gauff during a crucial stretch of her career.
That coaching background shaped his on-air style, which leaned heavily into strategy, patterns of play, and match psychology. While his commentary often divided fans, it also gave viewers a perspective that few analysts could match.
ESPN announced its ‘Australian Open 2026 on-air talent lineup’ earlier this week, and the absence of Gilbert and Shriver immediately drew questions from fans.
Gilbert addressed those questions directly on social media. Replying to a fan who noticed his name missing from the list, he summed up the moment, writing, “Had a great 23 year run .”
In another exchange, when a user suggested he should return to coaching, Gilbert made it clear the door remains open, writing, “i definitely have not ruled that out.”
He later expanded on his plans in a video posted on X, confirming he would not be in Melbourne. “Won’t be in Melbourne this year. First time we’ll be missing the Australian Open in a long time. But shucks happens,” he said.
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Gilbert added that he is shifting focus to new projects, including the Big T podcast on Tennis Channel, which he said he will do every Wednesday, along with “second serve” shows starting in February. Looking ahead, he framed the change with optimism. “What other doors open up in 26? I’m really looking forward to, because tennis keeps you fighting fit, mentally strong,” he added.
morning pic.twitter.com/T5uY1Aibb7
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) January 8, 2026
What Did ESPN Say About Moving on From Two Longtime Analysts?
In a statement to Front Office Sports, an ESPN spokesperson explained the decision by saying, “We regularly evolve our on-air teams. Talent assignments vary by event and year, and not every contributor appears at every tournament.”
As for Gilbert and Shriver, ESPN said they are no longer with the network and thanked them for their many years of collaboration. “Brad Gilbert and Pam Shiver are no longer with ESPN. We are grateful to them for their many years of collaboration and wish them well in their future endeavours.”
While Gilbert and Shriver move on, ESPN’s Australian Open coverage will still feature a deep bench of former players and broadcasters. John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Caroline Wozniacki, Mary Joe Fernandez, James Blake, Sam Querrey, Chris Eubanks, and CoCo Vandeweghe are set to return as part of the studio analysis team in Melbourne.
