Brad Gilbert is a former professional tennis player, world-renowned tennis coach and analyst for ESPN. Born in Oakland, California, Gilbert was a successful collegiate tennis player and reached the finals of the NCAA championship for Pepperdine University in 1982. He joined the professional tour that same year and went on to win 20 ATP top-level singles titles throughout his career.
Gilbert’s most successful year on the tour was in 1989 when he beat iconic players such as Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Michael Chang and Stefan Edberg. He played in Davis Cup tournaments from 1986-1993 and compiled a 10-5 record with a 7-1 record on hard courts and carpet. In 1988 he captured a bronze medal in the men’s singles competition at the Olympic Games in Seoul. His fierce style of play and tactical mental approach kept him near the top ten rankings for over ten years.
Upon retiring from professional tennis in 2004, Gilbert turned to coaching. From 1994 to 2002, he coached Andre Agassi to six Grand Slam titles and his first ever #1 ranking. Agassi has since described him as ‘the greatest coach of all time’. In 2003 Gilbert went on to coach Andy Roddick, who under his leadership, won the 2003 US Open and also achieved his first #1 ranking. Upon parting ways with Roddick, Gilbert began working with Scottish player Andy Murray who quickly moved up the rankings to reach a career high #8. Gilbert and Murray parted company in 2007.
Gilbert is the best-selling author of Winning Ugly, an instructional book geared towards recreational tennis players to help improve their mental game. In 2005 he released his second book, I’ve Got Your Back, in which he describes his coaching methods and what it takes to win under extreme pressure – on and off the court.
Gilbert has served as a tennis analyst for ESPN since 2004, covering major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open and Davis Cup play. He resides in San Rafael, California with his wife and three children.
Brad Gilbert, former professional tennis player, world-renowned tennis coach and ESPN analyst, is available exclusively through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Brad Gilbert is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, tennis clinics, tennis outings, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Brad Gilbert.
