Tennis is overflowing with fascinating stories, both on and off the court. One such story involves the dynamic relationship between legendary coach of Andre Agassi, Brad Gilbert and American tennis star Andy Roddick. Their collaboration led to many remarkable moments on the grass courts. However, a cheerful episode keeps on summoning lively chitchat years after the incident.
As Roddick thinks back about their partnership, he energetically uncovers a silly “bald head” lament that he playfully traits to Gilbert. This energetic trade features the fellowship that can exist between the coach and player, even in the domain of fashion choices.
Andy Roddick shares details about a playful exchange and bald head regrets with coach Brad Gilbert
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In 2003, during Roddick’s training for the grass-court season in London, Andre Agassi’s coach advised him to change his attire. Brad Gilbert wasn’t content with Roddick’s decision to wear an orange visor. The veteran had felt Roddick’s decision was unusual. Years after the incident, Roddick snickers as he recalls this and says he was told to switch the visor for a better cap. But, this tomfoolery demand prompted a fun discussion between the coach and the player.
In his interview with GQ Sports, Gilbert shared, “If I would’ve known it would’ve ended like this,..I would’ve worn the visor a lot longer.” Their partnership went past tennis, frequently appearing in friendly prodding and brotherhood.
Roddick also added, “I texted Brad and was like, ‘F**k you, man. You took away my best hair years.”
This shows that in tennis, the connections among players and coaches depend on trust, and shared chuckling. The friendly teasing about the visor incident stays an affectionate memory for both Gilbert and Roddick. However, this isn’t the only incident that is etched in the mind of Gilbert.
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In a recent interview, the former coach of Agassi offered a brief look into a pivotal moment from Roddick’s early career. He shed light on his experience of foreseeing the 2003 US Open win of Roddick.
Gilbert recently recalled details about predicting Roddick’s early dominance at the US Open
Gilbert’s first exposure to Roddick’s gameplay dates back to the year 2000. The tennis veteran had observed the American in action at the Los Angeles Forum. During this period, Gilbert held the role of a practice partner for the U.S. Davis Cup team, a team that also included the prominent presence of Andre Agassi. The coach reflected on this initial view of Roddick’s prowess.
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Gilbert had expressed his astonishment at the immense power behind Roddick’s serves. He had noted that, at the age of 17, he was already delivering remarkable serves. Remarkably, even Andre Agassi himself was taken aback, acknowledging the young talent that was effortlessly dominating with his serves. Consequently, the media of that era began predicting that Roddick would continue the legacy of American male tennis players excelling at the Grand Slam tournaments.