« No forehand, No backhand.. but Brad Wins! »
After meeting Brad Gilbert, Tom Chivington, experienced coach at Foothill College, draws a very special assessment.
This young player might well be the most unique case he has come across in his long coaching career.
On paper, the young Gilbert lacks the weapons to reach the highest levels of American, let alone world tennis. His technique simply doesn't match up to his expectations, and yet, despite his unique game, Brad wins most of his matches.
11 years later, 29-year-old Gilbert, ranked 4th in the world, has just won the prestigious Cincinnati Masters Series and is now known as the most frustrating player on the ATP circuit.
Brad Gilbert enjoying a successful coaching career, Credit : TennisMajors
« He’s the Classic Menace of Club Tennis and Junior Tennis and it takes him all the way to the top »
Although he wasn't the best technically, he was undoubtedly the smartest on the tennis court. Varying trajectories, rhythm and bringing out the worst in each opponent were the foundations of Brad Gilberts' destabilizing game.
Watching his future opponents' matches over and over again and analyzing their movements, the future Olympic bronze medallist from Seoul (1988) succeeded in drawing his rivals into a veritable mental war, even pushing legends of the sport such as Becker and Macenroe to the brink of a nervous breakdown.
Credit : DK Online
« You're never going to get three games back at once. Get one game back. Start with one game—then maybe you'll get two »
In his autobiography “Winning Ugly”, the Auckland native emphasizes his ability to never give up, constantly looking for a different game plan even when his opponent was superior.
Following a brilliant career, Gilberts has become a coach to some of the biggest names in tennis, including Agassi, Roddick and Kei Nishikori.
Recognized as one of the best analysts of the ATP circuit and tennis in general, Gilberts will always be remembered as the player who got the most out of his weapons.
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