ESPN just reported on their French Open coverage that Andy Roddick has parted ways with his coach and hired Brad Gilbert. I can't believe it took Gilbert this long to land a new gig, unless of course he wasn't looking. Considering what he did to help Agassi, I would have thought players would have been knocking down Gilbert's door and offering him the sun and the moon! Hopefully, pairing up with Gilbert will be the final piece of the puzzle for Roddick and he'll begin to seriously contend at the majors.

I knew that A-Rod had parted ways with Benhabiles, but this was news to me when they said it on the air.

Gilbert did a great job with Agassi, but their personalities were a better fit. I am not sure that Andy will do well under the same tutelage.

I would rather see him pursue somebody like Paul Annacone or Robert Vant Hof. I think he would benefit from someone who was more low-key and practical in nature. And you can hardly go wrong with the mentors of Pete and Lindsay.

I could coach Andy Roddick. Trust Me WINK

Well he needs to do something, and change is good, so hopefully this guy can get Andy going towards the top, where he belongs.

I don't like it. Brad's an ass. He's always struck me as one of those ugly frat dick jocks who "hates fags" and is rude to his wife/girlfriend in public... I just don't like him. Even he can bring a great work ethic to Roddick's game, OK I guess... But I happen to think Roddick's attitude does NOT need influence from Brad Gilbert.

And, anyway, IMHO, what Roddick needs is more court-smarts and diversity to his game, not necessarily a strong work out regimen. Gilbert is a good strategist, yes, but was there no one else?!

I agree. A coach like Annacone, taking a more measured approach, would be an excellent choice. Roddick needs to develop a "tennis brain" and introduce subtleties and strategy to his game.

I know it is his manner but when watching his matches on television I notice how he jumps around, fidgets and can't hold focus...surely this must burn up a lot of emotional and physical energy. Perhaps a calmer influence would be beneficial.

Still lets not forget he has achieved a lot already and he is still only 20/21. The computer has him ranked 7 in the world... that in itself is an outstanding accomplishment.

Gilbert has an unattractive personality and I don't believe it is a good fit, coaching Roddick. I lost any respect for Gilbert when he carried on like a hoon some years ago when he was going to deck David Wheaton at the Compaq Cup final in Munich.

Still I wish them well.

Although Brad Gilbert's personality may be something to desire, I think there is one that that he can do for Andy that he presently lacks... which is the mental part of the game.

Andy has the game and has the shots to win, but is pretty much lacking beyond the smash, kill, hit mode. I think Brad will help him develop what I would call the "opportunistic baseliner" strategy. I think that we will see Andy being more assertive in getting to net and taking advantage of his serves and big forehand.

I am guessing Andy's present coach probably tried to encourage this facet of his game. Sometimes it just takes another voice to help drill it into your head.

First, I thought that the article that I read about Andy's coaching change was a bit more guarded in reporting that Brad Gilbert is working with Andy at least thru Wimbledon. No permanent relationship had yet been established.
Second, I have known for at least two years that Andy needed someone else to be around other than just Tariq (though I absolutely adore both Tariq and his wife, Clelia -- they are the sweetest people).
Third, I can't stand Brad. I really wanted Andy to employ Jim Courier instead. Jim is truly a thinker, and he has always given Andy a great deal of free advice and has all but offered himself up as a personal coach. We will see what happens in the future, but I really think that Andy and Brad will get along ok, unfortunately. Still, Andy and Jim would have been better for Andy both on and off the court.

Brad Gilbert in his playing days (and afterwards) was known as a "junkballer" he did whatever was aggravating, sneaky, unorthodox..... funky spins, bloopers, change of pace, anything.

By that knowledge and his prior experience developing another hotshot with huge strokes (Agassi) Gilbert would be great for Roddick's game development.

On this thread I was critical of the choice of Gilbert as the new coach of Roddick.

Roddick was very impressive at Queens Club, solid consistent and seemed to have his head together. I know it is only one tournament but the improvement was quite marked.

I may have to eat humble pie.