Brad Gilbert
Encyclopedia
Brad Gilbert is an American tennis
coach
, a television tennis commentator
, an author
and former professional tennis player. He was born in Oakland, California
and graduated from Piedmont High School (California).
As a player, Gilbert's career-high singles ranking was World No. 4, which he reached in January 1990. Since retiring from the tour, he has coached several top players including Andre Agassi
, Andy Roddick
and Andy Murray.
, a junior college
in Los Altos, California
, from 1980–82. During this time, he won the California Junior College Singles Championship and the U.S. Amateur Hardcourt Championship. In 1981, Gilbert was a member of the American Junior Davis Cup
team. In 1982, he transferred to Pepperdine University
, playing for Allen Fox
, where he became an All-America
n and reached the finals of the 1982 NCAA
championship.
Gilbert joined the professional tour in 1982, and won his first top-level singles title later that year in Taipei
. His first doubles title came in 1985 in Tel Aviv
.
Gilbert won a total of 20 top-level singles titles during his career, the biggest being the Cincinnati
event in 1989. He was also runner-up in a further 20 singles events, including Cincinnati in 1990 (where he lost to future International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Stefan Edberg
) and the Paris Indoor
s in 1987 and 1988.
Gilbert's most successful year on the tour was 1989, during which he won five singles titles, including Cincinnati, where he beat four future Hall of Famers to claim the title: Pete Sampras
, Michael Chang
, Boris Becker
and Stefan Edberg
, as well as Agustín Moreno
and Jason Stoltenberg
.
Gilbert's best performances at Grand Slam
tournaments were at the 1987 US Open
and 1990 Wimbledon
, where he reached the quarterfinals. He was also runner-up at the inaugural Grand Slam Cup
in 1990.
Gilbert was ranked among the top-10 players in the U.S. for 9 of his first 10 years on the professional tour. His career win-loss record in singles play was 519–288. His career prize-money totalled US$5,509,060.
Among his upsets of players ranked in the world's top-3 were his defeat of No. 2 Boris Becker
3–6, 6–3, 6–4 in Cincinnati in 1989, No. 2 Edberg 7–6(2), 6–7(1), 6–4 in Los Angeles in 1991, No. 3 Sampras 6–3, 6–4 in London in 1992, and No. 3 Jim Courier
6–4, 6–4 at Memphis in 1994, Edberg 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(5) in Cincinnati in 1989, and perhaps most significantly, No.2 John McEnroe 5–7, 6–4, 6–1 in the Masters in MSG New York in January 1986 – which sent McEnroe into his first six month break from tennis.
play from 1986–93, with a 7–1 record on hard courts and carpet.
in the men's singles at the 1988 Olympic Games
in Seoul
.
Gilbert is also a 1999 inductee into the Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame.
Gilbert was inducted in 2001 into the ITA Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.
Gilbert was a 2001 inductee into the Marblehead Boosters Hall of Fame.
programmes, including tennis camps at under-12 and under-14 levels. He also worked with the LTA's network of coaches and its high-performance clubs and academies. On 14 November 2007, after 16 months working together, Gilbert and Murray parted company. By then, Murray had reached a career high of No. 8.
, concentrating mostly on coaching Britain's No. 2, Alex Bogdanović
, and others in his age group. Bogdanović said he was "unbelievably excited" at the chance of spending time with Gilbert. Roger Draper, the LTA's chief executive, said: "We have set Brad a new challenge of getting Alex into the top 100 and also 'upskilling' our coaches and inspiring the next generation to follow in Andy's footsteps."
of Japan for 15 tournaments in the 2011 season whilst still being committed to his TV items.
. He is also the author of the book Winning Ugly, which gives tips on how an average player can defeat a more skilled opponent. His second book, co-authored by James Kaplan
and entitled I've Got Your Back, was published in 2005.
. While commentating on Andy Murray's third round match in the 2011 Australian Open
for ESPN2
, Gilbert mentioned that he lives near the Olympian runner Michael Johnson
and that when he was Murray's coach he introduced Johnson and Murray, who did a series of sprints together on a nearby track.
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
coach
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
, a television tennis commentator
Sports commentator
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
, an author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
and former professional tennis player. He was born in Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
and graduated from Piedmont High School (California).
As a player, Gilbert's career-high singles ranking was World No. 4, which he reached in January 1990. Since retiring from the tour, he has coached several top players including Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi
Andre Kirk Agassi is a retired American professional tennis player and former world no. 1. Generally considered by critics and fellow players to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Agassi has been called the best service returner in the history of the game...
, Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick
Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is currently the second highest-ranked American player, behind Mardy Fish....
and Andy Murray.
Playing career
Gilbert played tennis for Foothill CollegeFoothill College
Foothill College is a community college located in Los Altos Hills, California and is part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. It was founded on January 15, 1957 by Founding Superintendent and President Dr. Calvin C. Flint.-History:...
, a junior college
Junior college
The term junior college refers to different educational institutions in different countries.-India:In India, most states provide schooling through 12th grade...
in Los Altos, California
Los Altos, California
Los Altos is a city at the southern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is in Santa Clara County, California, United States. The population was 28,976 according to the 2010 census....
, from 1980–82. During this time, he won the California Junior College Singles Championship and the U.S. Amateur Hardcourt Championship. In 1981, Gilbert was a member of the American Junior Davis Cup
Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
team. In 1982, he transferred to Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is an independent, private, medium-sized university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The university's campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in unincorporated Los Angeles County, California, United States, near Malibu, is the location for Seaver College, the School of...
, playing for Allen Fox
Allen Fox
Dr. Allen E. Fox is a former tennis player in the 1960s and 1970s who went on to be a college coach and author. He was ranked as high as # 4 in the U.S. . Between 1961 and 1968, he ranked among the top 10 men in the U.S...
, where he became an All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
n and reached the finals of the 1982 NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
championship.
Gilbert joined the professional tour in 1982, and won his first top-level singles title later that year in Taipei
Taipei
Taipei City is the capital of the Republic of China and the central city of the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of the island, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River, and is about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...
. His first doubles title came in 1985 in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
.
Gilbert won a total of 20 top-level singles titles during his career, the biggest being the Cincinnati
Cincinnati Masters
The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between...
event in 1989. He was also runner-up in a further 20 singles events, including Cincinnati in 1990 (where he lost to future International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Stefan Edberg
Stefan Edberg
Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix...
) and the Paris Indoor
Paris Masters
The Paris Masters is an annual tennis tournament for male professional players held in Paris, France. It is played indoors at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. The event is part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 on the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour...
s in 1987 and 1988.
Gilbert's most successful year on the tour was 1989, during which he won five singles titles, including Cincinnati, where he beat four future Hall of Famers to claim the title: Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras is a retired American tennis player and former world no. 1. During his 15-year tour career, he won 14 Grand Slam singles titles and became recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time....
, Michael Chang
Michael Chang
Michael Te-Pei Chang is a former American professional tennis player. He is best remembered for becoming the youngest-ever male player to win a Grand Slam singles title when he won the French Open in 1989 at the age of 17....
, Boris Becker
Boris Becker
Boris Franz Becker is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Germany. He is a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the youngest-ever winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon at the age of 17...
and Stefan Edberg
Stefan Edberg
Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix...
, as well as Agustín Moreno
Agustin Moreno
Agustín Moreno is a former tennis player from Mexico.Moreno represented his native country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where he was defeated in the second round by Sweden's Stefan Edberg. The right-hander reached his highest singles ATP-ranking on July 18, 1988, when he became the number...
and Jason Stoltenberg
Jason Stoltenberg
Jason Stoltenberg is a former professional tennis player from Australia.Stoltenberg began playing tennis at age ten on an antbed court where his father owned a cotton farm in the Far West of New South Wales. In 1987, he won the boys' singles title at the Australian Open and was ranked the World No...
.
Gilbert's best performances at Grand Slam
Grand Slam (tennis)
The four Major tennis tournaments, also called the Slams, are the most important tennis events of the year in terms of world tour ranking points, tradition, prize-money awarded, strength and size of player field, and public attention. They are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and...
tournaments were at the 1987 US Open
U.S. Open (tennis)
The US Open, formally the United States Open Tennis Championships, is a hardcourt tennis tournament which is the modern iteration of one of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the U.S. National Championship, which for men's singles was first contested in 1881...
and 1990 Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon , is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the other three Majors...
, where he reached the quarterfinals. He was also runner-up at the inaugural Grand Slam Cup
Grand Slam Cup
The Grand Slam Cup was a tennis tournament held annually at the Olympiahalle in Munich in Germany from 1990 through 1999. The event was organized by the International Tennis Federation , which invited the best-performing players in the year's Grand Slam events to compete in the Grand Slam Cup.The...
in 1990.
Gilbert was ranked among the top-10 players in the U.S. for 9 of his first 10 years on the professional tour. His career win-loss record in singles play was 519–288. His career prize-money totalled US$5,509,060.
Among his upsets of players ranked in the world's top-3 were his defeat of No. 2 Boris Becker
Boris Becker
Boris Franz Becker is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Germany. He is a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the youngest-ever winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon at the age of 17...
3–6, 6–3, 6–4 in Cincinnati in 1989, No. 2 Edberg 7–6(2), 6–7(1), 6–4 in Los Angeles in 1991, No. 3 Sampras 6–3, 6–4 in London in 1992, and No. 3 Jim Courier
Jim Courier
James Spencer "Jim" Courier, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won four Grand Slam singles titles, two at the French Open and two at the Australian Open...
6–4, 6–4 at Memphis in 1994, Edberg 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(5) in Cincinnati in 1989, and perhaps most significantly, No.2 John McEnroe 5–7, 6–4, 6–1 in the Masters in MSG New York in January 1986 – which sent McEnroe into his first six month break from tennis.
Style of play
Unlike many other professional players of his era, Gilbert did not have a powerful serve, a dangerous forehand or backhand, a flashy volley, or a lightning smash. His best asset was his ability to keep the ball in play. He hit the ball most often at a slow but accurate pace and was sometimes called a pusher. He kept an open stance and did not make many turns when at the baseline. This enabled him to control the game through oversight and tempo, despite his defensive style. He built his game around destroying his opponent's rhythm. He would force the other player into long rallies by hitting the ball high over the net and deep into his opponent's court. If an opponent employed a slow pace, then Gilbert would attack decisively, often at the net. He was one of the sport's top strategists as a player. Although he was easy to get along with outside the court, Gilbert was a fierce competitor with a sometimes annoying style of play, focusing on his opponents weaknesses. Both his style of play and his mental approach brought him wins over the world's top players and kept him near the top ten for over 10 years.Davis Cup
Gilbert compiled a 10–5 record in Davis CupDavis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
play from 1986–93, with a 7–1 record on hard courts and carpet.
Olympics
Gilbert won a bronze medalBronze medal
A bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
in the men's singles at the 1988 Olympic Games
1988 Summer Olympics
The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
in Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
.
Wins (20)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 1. | 1982 | Taipei ATP Taipei The Taipei Grand Prix, ATP Taipei in its final year, was a men's tennis tournament played in Taipei, Taiwan. The event was held from 1977–1984 and was part of the Grand Prix Tennis Circuit It emerged for one last time in 1992. The event was played on indoor carpet.-Singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following... |
Carpet |  Craig WittusCraig Wittus Craig Wittus , is a former professional tennis player from the United States.Wittus enjoyed most of his tennis success while playing doubles. During his career he won 2 doubles titles. He achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 42 in 1983.-Doubles titles :-Runner-ups :-External links:... |
6–1, 6–4 |
| 2. | 1984 | Columbus Columbus Open The Columbus Open is a defunct Grand Prix affiliated tennis tournament played from 1971 to 1984. It was held in Columbus, Ohio in the United States and played on outdoor hard courts from 1971 to 1976, then played on outdoor clay courts from 1977 to 1979, and then played again on outdoor hard courts... , U.S. |
Hard | Hank Pfister Hank Pfister Hank Pfister is a former tennis player from the United States, who won two singles titles during his professional career... |
6–3, 3–6, 6–3 |
| 3. | 1984 | Taipei ATP Taipei The Taipei Grand Prix, ATP Taipei in its final year, was a men's tennis tournament played in Taipei, Taiwan. The event was held from 1977–1984 and was part of the Grand Prix Tennis Circuit It emerged for one last time in 1992. The event was played on indoor carpet.-Singles:-Doubles:-References:*... , Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following... |
Carpet |  Wally MasurWally Masur Wally Masur is a tennis coach, television commentator, and former professional tennis player from Sydney, Australia.... |
6–3, 6–3 |
| 4. | 1985 | Livingston ATP Livingston The Livingston Open is a defunct, Grand Prix tennis affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1984 to 1989, held in Livingston, New Jersey and played on outdoor hard courts at Newark Academy.... , U.S. |
Hard | Brian Teacher Brian Teacher Brian David Teacher is a 6' 3" right handed American former professional male tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking World No. 7 in 1981.... |
7–6, 6–4 |
| 5. | 1985 | Cleveland ATP Cleveland Known by various names, this was a men's tennis tournament played in Cleveland, Ohio. The event was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1978 through 1982 and in 1984 and 1985. It was played on outdoor hard courts... , U.S. |
Hard | Brad Drewett Brad Drewett Brad Drewett is a retired tennis player from Australia.Drewett won the Australian Open Junior Boys title in 1975 and 1977. During his professional career, he won two singles and seven doubles titles and reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open singles in 1976. He also achieved a high... |
6–3, 6–2 |
| 6. | 1985 | Tel Aviv ATP Tel Aviv The Tel Aviv Open is a defunct, ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1979-1996. It was held at the Israel Tennis Center at Ramat HaSharon, near Tel Aviv, Israel and was played on outdoor hard courts. The tournament was played as a ATP Challenger Series event in 1998 and 1999... , Israel Israel The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea... |
Hard |  Amos MansdorfAmos Mansdorf Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:... |
6–3, 6–2 |
| 7. | 1986 | Memphis, U.S. | Carpet |  Stefan EdbergStefan Edberg Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix... |
7–5, 7–6(3) |
| 8. | 1986 | Livingston ATP Livingston The Livingston Open is a defunct, Grand Prix tennis affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1984 to 1989, held in Livingston, New Jersey and played on outdoor hard courts at Newark Academy.... , U.S. |
Hard | Mike Leach Mike Leach (tennis) Michael E. Leach is a former collegiate and ATP Tour professional tennis player who won the NCAA singles championship in 1982 while attending the University of Michigan.-Early years:... |
6–2, 6–2 |
| 9. | 1986 | Tel Aviv ATP Tel Aviv The Tel Aviv Open is a defunct, ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1979-1996. It was held at the Israel Tennis Center at Ramat HaSharon, near Tel Aviv, Israel and was played on outdoor hard courts. The tournament was played as a ATP Challenger Series event in 1998 and 1999... , Israel Israel The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea... |
Hard | Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein , nicknamed "Marathon Man", is a former American professional tennis player, who competed on the ATP Tour from 1983 to 1996. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he currently competes on the Outback Champions Series Over-30 tour.Krickstein reached his career high ATP ranking of World No.... |
7–5, 6–2 |
| 10. | 1986 | Vienna BA-CA TennisTrophy The Erste Bank Open is a professional tennis tournament played on indoor hard courts. Originally an event of the Grand Prix tennis circuit . It is currently part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour... , Austria |
Hard (i) |  Karel NováčekKarel Novácek Karel Nováček is a retired Czech former top ten tennis player. Born in Prostějov, Czechoslovakia . Nováček now lives in Boca Raton, Florida, United States.... |
3–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–0 |
| 11. | 1987 | Scottsdale Tennis Channel Open The Tennis Channel Open was a tennis tournament on the ATP International Series which was held for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 27 to March 5, 2006. In the men's singles final, James Blake defeated Lleyton Hewitt 7–5, 2–6, 6–3... , U.S. |
Hard | Eliot Teltscher Eliot Teltscher Eliot Teltscher is a retired professional American tennis player.-Early years:Teltscher's mother was born in Israel; his father emigrated there during the Holocaust, and joined the British army... |
6–2, 6–2 |
| 12. | 1988 | Tel Aviv ATP Tel Aviv The Tel Aviv Open is a defunct, ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1979-1996. It was held at the Israel Tennis Center at Ramat HaSharon, near Tel Aviv, Israel and was played on outdoor hard courts. The tournament was played as a ATP Challenger Series event in 1998 and 1999... , Israel Israel The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea... |
Hard | Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein , nicknamed "Marathon Man", is a former American professional tennis player, who competed on the ATP Tour from 1983 to 1996. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he currently competes on the Outback Champions Series Over-30 tour.Krickstein reached his career high ATP ranking of World No.... |
4–6, 7–6(5), 6–2 |
| 13. | 1989 | Memphis, U.S. | Hard (i) | Johan Kriek Johan Kriek Johan Kriek is a South African American professional male tennis player and founder of the Global Water Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering clean water to the world's neediest communities. Kriek has won two Australian Opens and has reached the semi-finals at the French... |
6–2, 6–2, ret. |
| 14. | 1989 | Stratton Mountain, U.S. | Hard | Jim Pugh Jim Pugh Jim Pugh is a former professional tennis player from the United States. A doubles specialist, he won three Grand Slam men's doubles titles and five Grand Slam mixed doubles titles . Pugh reached the World No... |
7–5, 6–0 |
| 15. | 1989 | Livingston ATP Livingston The Livingston Open is a defunct, Grand Prix tennis affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1984 to 1989, held in Livingston, New Jersey and played on outdoor hard courts at Newark Academy.... , U.S. |
Hard | Jason Stoltenberg Jason Stoltenberg Jason Stoltenberg is a former professional tennis player from Australia.Stoltenberg began playing tennis at age ten on an antbed court where his father owned a cotton farm in the Far West of New South Wales. In 1987, he won the boys' singles title at the Australian Open and was ranked the World No... |
6–4, 6–4 |
| 16. | 1989 | Cincinnati Cincinnati Masters The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between... , U.S. |
Hard | Stefan Edberg Stefan Edberg Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix... |
6–4, 2–6, 7–6(5) |
| 17. | 1989 | San Francisco SAP Open The SAP Open is a men's tennis tournament held annually in San Jose, California. It is the second-oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still played. It is an ATP World Tour 250 series event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour... , U.S. |
Carpet | Anders Järryd Anders Järryd Anders Per Järryd is a former professional tennis player from Sweden. During his career he won eight Grand Slam doubles titles , reached the World No. 1 doubles ranking, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 5.Järryd was born in Lidköping, Västra Götaland... |
7–5, 6–2 |
| 18. | 1990 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Carpet | Jonas Svensson Jonas Svensson Jonas Svensson is a former professional tennis player from Sweden.During his career, Svensson was a French Open semi-finalist twice both times as unseeded player.... |
6–1, 6–3 |
| 19. | 1990 | Orlando Verizon Tennis Challenge The Verizon Tennis Challenge is a defunct Grand Prix circuit and ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament played from 1987 to 2001. It was held in Orlando, Florida in the United States from 1987 to 1991 and at the Atlanta Athletic Club in what is now Johns Creek, Georgia in the United States from 1992... , U.S. |
Hard |  Christo van RensburgChristo Van Rensburg Christo van Rensburg is a former professional tennis player from South Africa.Van Rensburg turned professional in 1983... |
6–2, 6–1 |
| 20. | 1990 | Brisbane Queensland Open The Queensland Open was a men's tennis tournament played in Brisbane, Australia from 1987-1992. The event was part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit and was played on indoor hard courts.-Men's singles:-Doubles:-References:**... , Australia |
Hard | Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein Aaron Krickstein , nicknamed "Marathon Man", is a former American professional tennis player, who competed on the ATP Tour from 1983 to 1996. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he currently competes on the Outback Champions Series Over-30 tour.Krickstein reached his career high ATP ranking of World No.... |
6–3, 6–1 |
Runner-ups (20)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 1. | 1984 | San Francisco SAP Open The SAP Open is a men's tennis tournament held annually in San Jose, California. It is the second-oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still played. It is an ATP World Tour 250 series event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour... , U.S. |
Carpet | John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
6–4, 6–4 |
| 2. | 1985 | Stuttgart Outdoor, Germany | Clay | Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Lendl became a United States citizen. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980s and remained a top competitor into the early 1990s. He is considered to be one of the greatest tennis... |
6–4, 6–0 |
| 3. | 1985 | Johannesburg ATP Johannesburg The SA Tennis Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts started originally as a Grand Prix tennis circuit event. It is currently part of the 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour. It is held annually in February at Montecasino, in... , South Africa |
Hard | Matt Anger Matt Anger Matt Anger is a former tennis player from the United States, who won one singles and two doubles titles during his career.... |
6–4, 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 |
| 4. | 1987 | Washington, D.C. Legg Mason Tennis Classic The Legg Mason Tennis Classic is an annual late-summer men's tennis tournament played in Washington, D.C. as part of the ATP Tour. It was first held in 1969. It was later known as the Sovran Bank Classic. . Originally an event of the Grand Prix Tennis Tour and part of the Grand Prix Championship... , U.S. |
Hard | Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl Ivan Lendl is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Lendl became a United States citizen. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980s and remained a top competitor into the early 1990s. He is considered to be one of the greatest tennis... |
6–1, 6–0 |
| 5. | 1987 | Tel Aviv ATP Tel Aviv The Tel Aviv Open is a defunct, ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament. It was played from 1979-1996. It was held at the Israel Tennis Center at Ramat HaSharon, near Tel Aviv, Israel and was played on outdoor hard courts. The tournament was played as a ATP Challenger Series event in 1998 and 1999... , Israel Israel The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea... |
Hard | Amos Mansdorf Amos Mansdorf Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:... |
3–6, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 6. | 1987 | Paris Indoor Paris Masters The Paris Masters is an annual tennis tournament for male professional players held in Paris, France. It is played indoors at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. The event is part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 on the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour... , France |
Carpet | Tim Mayotte Tim Mayotte Timothy "Tim" Mayotte is a former professional tennis player from the United States.- Career :... |
2–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–7(5), 6–3 |
| 7. | 1987 | Johannesburg ATP Johannesburg The SA Tennis Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts started originally as a Grand Prix tennis circuit event. It is currently part of the 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour. It is held annually in February at Montecasino, in... , South Africa |
Hard (i) | Pat Cash Pat Cash Patrick Hart "Pat" Cash is a retired Australian professional tennis player who won the men's singles title at Wimbledon in 1987.-Early career:... |
7–6(7), 4–6, 2–6, 6–0, 6–1 |
| 8. | 1988 | Paris Indoor Paris Masters The Paris Masters is an annual tennis tournament for male professional players held in Paris, France. It is played indoors at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. The event is part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 on the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour... , France |
Carpet | Amos Mansdorf Amos Mansdorf Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:... |
6–3, 6–2, 6–3 |
| 9. | 1989 | Dallas WCT WCT Finals The WCT Finals was a tennis tournament that served as the season-ending championship for the World Championship Tennis circuit. The event was held annually in Dallas, Texas, and played on indoor carpet courts. The 1971 quarterfinals and semifinals were played in Houston, and final played at Moody... , U.S. |
Carpet | John McEnroe John McEnroe John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player from the United States. During his career, he won seven Grand Slam singles titles , nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title... |
6–3, 6–3, 7–6(5) |
| 10. | 1989 | Washington, D.C. Legg Mason Tennis Classic The Legg Mason Tennis Classic is an annual late-summer men's tennis tournament played in Washington, D.C. as part of the ATP Tour. It was first held in 1969. It was later known as the Sovran Bank Classic. . Originally an event of the Grand Prix Tennis Tour and part of the Grand Prix Championship... , U.S. |
Hard | Tim Mayotte Tim Mayotte Timothy "Tim" Mayotte is a former professional tennis player from the United States.- Career :... |
3–6, 6–4, 7–5 |
| 11. | 1989 | Orlando Verizon Tennis Challenge The Verizon Tennis Challenge is a defunct Grand Prix circuit and ATP Tour affiliated tennis tournament played from 1987 to 2001. It was held in Orlando, Florida in the United States from 1987 to 1991 and at the Atlanta Athletic Club in what is now Johns Creek, Georgia in the United States from 1992... , U.S. |
Hard | Andre Agassi Andre Agassi Andre Kirk Agassi is a retired American professional tennis player and former world no. 1. Generally considered by critics and fellow players to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Agassi has been called the best service returner in the history of the game... |
6–2, 6–1 |
| 12. | 1990 | Cincinnati Cincinnati Masters The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city., Between... , U.S. |
Hard | Stefan Edberg Stefan Edberg Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix... |
6–1, 6–1 |
| 13. | 1990 | Grand Slam Cup Grand Slam Cup The Grand Slam Cup was a tennis tournament held annually at the Olympiahalle in Munich in Germany from 1990 through 1999. The event was organized by the International Tennis Federation , which invited the best-performing players in the year's Grand Slam events to compete in the Grand Slam Cup.The... , Munich Munich Munich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat... |
Carpet | Pete Sampras Pete Sampras Pete Sampras is a retired American tennis player and former world no. 1. During his 15-year tour career, he won 14 Grand Slam singles titles and became recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.... |
6–3, 6–4, 6–2 |
| 14. | 1991 | San Francisco SAP Open The SAP Open is a men's tennis tournament held annually in San Jose, California. It is the second-oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still played. It is an ATP World Tour 250 series event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour... , U.S. |
Carpet | Darren Cahill Darren Cahill Darren Cahill is a tennis coach and former professional tennis player from Australia.Nicknamed "Killer", Cahill turned professional in 1984... |
6–2, 3–6, 6–4 |
| 15. | 1991 | Los Angeles, U.S. | Hard | Pete Sampras Pete Sampras Pete Sampras is a retired American tennis player and former world no. 1. During his 15-year tour career, he won 14 Grand Slam singles titles and became recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.... |
6–2, 6–7(5), 6–3 |
| 16. | 1991 | Sydney Indoor ATP Sydney Indoor The Australian Indoor Tennis Championship, or Sydney Indoor for short, was a professional men's tennis tournament was played in Sydney, Australia. The event was played under various names as part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1973 through 1989 and as part of the ATP Tour from 1990 through... , Australia |
Hard (i) | Stefan Edberg Stefan Edberg Stefan Bengt Edberg is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Sweden. A major proponent of the serve-and-volley style of tennis, he won six Grand Slam singles titles and three Grand Slam men's doubles titles. He also won one season ending championship title the Masters Grand Prix... |
6–2, 6–2, 6–2 |
| 17. | 1992 | Scottsdale Tennis Channel Open The Tennis Channel Open was a tennis tournament on the ATP International Series which was held for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 27 to March 5, 2006. In the men's singles final, James Blake defeated Lleyton Hewitt 7–5, 2–6, 6–3... , U.S. |
Hard |  Stefano PescosolidoStefano Pescosolido Stefano Pescosolido is a former tennis player from Italy, who turned professional in 1989.Pescosolido was born in Sora. He represented his native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was defeated in the first round by Brazil's Fernando Meligeni... |
6–0, 1–6, 6–4 |
| 18. | 1993 | San Francisco SAP Open The SAP Open is a men's tennis tournament held annually in San Jose, California. It is the second-oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still played. It is an ATP World Tour 250 series event on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour... , U.S. |
Hard (i) | Andre Agassi Andre Agassi Andre Kirk Agassi is a retired American professional tennis player and former world no. 1. Generally considered by critics and fellow players to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Agassi has been called the best service returner in the history of the game... |
6–2, 6–7(4), 6–2 |
| 19. | 1993 | Tokyo Outdoor Japan Open Tennis Championships The Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships is a tennis tournament held in Ariake Tennis Forest Park with its center court Ariake Coliseum, located in Kōtō, Tokyo, Japan. The championship includes both men's and women's, as well as singles and doubles competitions... , Japan |
Hard | Pete Sampras Pete Sampras Pete Sampras is a retired American tennis player and former world no. 1. During his 15-year tour career, he won 14 Grand Slam singles titles and became recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.... |
6–2, 6–2, 6–2 |
| 20. | 1994 | Memphis, U.S. | Hard (i) | Todd Martin Todd Martin ----Todd Christopher Martin is a former professional tennis player from the United States.-Playing career:... |
6–4, 7–5 |
Halls of Fame
Gilbert is a member of the USTA Northern California Hall of Fame.Gilbert is also a 1999 inductee into the Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame.
Gilbert was inducted in 2001 into the ITA Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.
Gilbert was a 2001 inductee into the Marblehead Boosters Hall of Fame.
Coaching career
Gilbert retired as a player in 1995. Since 1994, he has been highly successful as a tennis coach. This success has often been associated with the extraordinary tactical abilities exhibited during his own matches.Andre Agassi
Gilbert was the coach of Andre Agassi for eight years, from March 1994 until January 2002. Agassi won six of his eight majors when Gilbert was his coach. Agassi described Gilbert as "the greatest coach of all time".Andy Roddick
On June 3, 2003, Gilbert became the coach of Andy Roddick, who won the 2003 US Open under Gilbert's guidance as well as clinching the world's No. 1. They parted ways on December 12, 2004.Andy Murray
On July 26, 2006, Gilbert was announced as taking over the coaching duties of Scottish player Andy Murray. As well as coaching Murray, Gilbert took part, pursuant to a 3-year deal, in other British Lawn Tennis AssociationLawn Tennis Association
The Lawn Tennis Association is the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.As the governing body, the LTA is responsible for the coaching and development of junior players, offering courses and qualifications on coaching, as well as the...
programmes, including tennis camps at under-12 and under-14 levels. He also worked with the LTA's network of coaches and its high-performance clubs and academies. On 14 November 2007, after 16 months working together, Gilbert and Murray parted company. By then, Murray had reached a career high of No. 8.
Alex Bogdanović
In November 2007 it was announced that Gilbert will work for 20 weeks in 2008 for Britain's Lawn Tennis AssociationLawn Tennis Association
The Lawn Tennis Association is the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.As the governing body, the LTA is responsible for the coaching and development of junior players, offering courses and qualifications on coaching, as well as the...
, concentrating mostly on coaching Britain's No. 2, Alex Bogdanović
Alex Bogdanovic
Aleksa Bogdanovic , also known as his British nickname Alex, is a Serbian-British tennis player born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Alex was brought to England by his parents Dušan and Amelija when he was seven and took up tennis as a means of making new friends.Bogdanovic turned professional in 2002...
, and others in his age group. Bogdanović said he was "unbelievably excited" at the chance of spending time with Gilbert. Roger Draper, the LTA's chief executive, said: "We have set Brad a new challenge of getting Alex into the top 100 and also 'upskilling' our coaches and inspiring the next generation to follow in Andy's footsteps."
Kei Nishikori
In December 2010 it was announced that Gilbert would return to coaching and partner with Kei NishikoriKei Nishikori
is a Japanese tennis player, currently ranked 25th in the world, as of 10 October 2011. He began playing tennis at the age of five, and on 17 July 2007 he qualified for his first ATP main draw event at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles, California at the age of 17.-Junior career:Nishikori won...
of Japan for 15 tournaments in the 2011 season whilst still being committed to his TV items.
Commentator and Author
Gilbert now serves occasionally as a tennis analyst for ESPNESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
. He is also the author of the book Winning Ugly, which gives tips on how an average player can defeat a more skilled opponent. His second book, co-authored by James Kaplan
James Kaplan
James Kaplan is an American novelist, journalist, and biographer. He was born in New York City and grew up in rural Pennsylvania and suburban New Jersey. He matriculated at New York University and graduated from Wesleyan University in 1973 with a degree in studio art...
and entitled I've Got Your Back, was published in 2005.
Personal life
Gilbert is Jewish, and resides with his wife and three children in San Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael, California
San Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
. While commentating on Andy Murray's third round match in the 2011 Australian Open
2011 Australian Open
The 2011 Australian Open was a tennis tournament featuring six different competitions, and part of the 2011 ATP World Tour, the 2011 WTA Tour, ITF Junior Tour and the NEC Tour, as tournaments for professional, junior and wheelchair players were held...
for ESPN2
ESPN2
ESPN2 is an American sports cable television network owned by ESPN. The channel debuted on October 1, 1993.Originally nicknamed "the deuce," ESPN2 was initially branded as a network for a younger generation of sports fans featuring edgier graphics as well as extreme sports like motocross,...
, Gilbert mentioned that he lives near the Olympian runner Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson (athlete)
Michael Duane Johnson is a retired American sprinter. He won four Olympic gold medals and eight world championship gold medals. Johnson currently holds the world and Olympic records in the 400 m and 4 x 400 meters relay. He formerly held the world and Olympic record in the 200 m, and the world...
and that when he was Murray's coach he introduced Johnson and Murray, who did a series of sprints together on a nearby track.
See also
- List of select Jewish tennis players