Brad Gilbert

A master strategist, an intelligent competitor, and a fierce opponent, American tennis player Brad Gilbert is undoubtedly one of the greatest to have ever come out of the North American country and graced a tennis court. Gilbert achieved a career-high ranking of fourth and despite not winning a Grand Slam in his career, is remembered by his countrymen as an absolute legend of the game. The American amassed 20 singles titles, and an Olympic bronze medal in his career. He also won both gold and silver at the 1981 Maccabiah Games. After retirement, Gilbert coached some of the greatest players the world has ever seen. These include the likes of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, and Kei Nishikori. All four made history in their own rights, and they reached the top of the tennis world under the tutelage of the legendary American athlete.

In singles, the Californian reached a career-high of No. 4 in 1990, winning 20 of 40 finals. He won a bronze medal in singles at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, losing 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to American compatriot Tim Mayotte. In addition, Gilbert reached the quarterfinals of two Grand Slam tournaments, the 1987 US Open (lost to Connors) and the 1990 Wimbledon (lost to Becker). Gilbert was also runner-up in the first Grand Slam Cup in 1990, (lost to Sampras). From 1986 to 1993, he competed in the Davis Cup for the United States, posting a 10-5 overall record.

Gilbert, unlike many other professional players of his era, lacked a dominant offensive weapon such as a powerful serve or forehand. His ability to keep the ball in play was his most valuable asset. The American was sometimes referred to as a pusher because he hit the ball at a slow but accurate pace most of the time. Gilbert maintained an open stance and didn't make many turns at the baseline. Despite his defensive style, the American was able to control the game through oversight and tempo. He designed his strategy around disrupting the opponent's rhythm. By hitting the ball high over the net and deep into his opponent's court, Gilbert forced them into long rallies.

After undergoing left ankle surgery in April 1988, Gilbert enjoyed his greatest season as a pro in 1989. During the North American hard-court circuit, the right-hander won 20 of 21 matches, including a 17-match winning streak, and three straight tournaments from four finals. He won the US Open qualifying tournament in Cincinnati by defeating No. 6 Michael Chang, No. 2 Boris Becker, and No. 3 Stefan Edberg in a row. Gilbert finished the year with a 60-17 match record and USD 900,848 in prize money after capturing his sixth title in San Francisco (defeating Jarryd).

Gilbert had a 27-64 overall record versus Top 10 opponents, with his most notable victory coming in January 1986 at the Nabisco Masters in New York, where he defeated World No. 2, John McEnroe, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1. It was McEnroe's only loss against Gilbert in 13 encounters, and it was a six-month layoff for the New Yorker.

Gilbert resigned as a player in 1994 and has since made a name for himself as a top coach and analyst across the world. The American guided Andre Agassi to six Grand Slam victories from 1994 to 2002, earning him the moniker of "best coach of all time."

Grand Slam singles record

Australian Open: 4R (1984)

French Open: 3R (1993)

Wimbledon: QF (1990)

US Open: QF (1987)