GILBERT, BRAD

GILBERT, BRAD (1961– ), U.S. tennis player, winner of 20 singles titles and successful pro coach. Born in Oakland, California, the youngest of three children in a family of tennis prodigies, Gilbert attended Pepperdine University, where he was the 1982 ncaa singles runner-up. Though saddled with a weak backhand, an average net game, and little natural ability, Gilbert's court smarts, preparation, tenacity, and an ability to engage in mental warfare on the court helped him win 20 singles titles and three doubles titles during his 14-year career. Gilbert never made it past the quarterfinals (1987 U.S. Open, 1990 Wimbledon) of any of the four major tournaments, but he was consistently ranked among the top 40 players, peaking at No. 4 in January 1990. Gilbert compiled a lifetime 519–288 career record, including 10–5 in Davis Cup play. He won a bronze medal in men's singles at the 1988 Olympics, and won gold at the 1989 Maccabiah, defeating Amos Mansdorf.

Gilbert began coaching at the end of his playing career, guiding Andre Agassi and later Andy Roddick to No. 1 world rankings. Gilbert's knowledge of the tactical side of tennis – how to recognize and attack an opponent's weaknesses – resulted in his being regarded as one of the top five coaches in the game. Gilbert, inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's Hall of Fame in 2001, is the author of WinningUgly (1993), and I've Got Your Back – Coaching Top Performers from Center Court to the Corner Office (2004).

[Elli Wohlgelernter (2^nd ed.)]