Tennis Update: Renowned Brad Gilbert decides to coach Kei Nishikori
The rising Japanese tennis star, Kei Nishikori added a new member to his team, finding himself a befitting coach. Renowned coach and former world number four Brad Gilbert has agreed to coach Nishikori for fifteen tournaments next year. Gilbert joins Nishikori’s
full time coach Dante Bottini.
Gilbert already works at the IMG Bollettieri Academy, where he helps train Nishikori amongst other players. Looking to focus more on the number one Japanese, Gilbert agrees to coach the young sensation for the 2011 season.
Talking about the new role in his life, Gilbert said, “I have been working at the IMG Bollettieri Academy for a few years now, helping out Kei and other players. I decided to expand my role with Kei to 15 tournaments...”
After having a superb 2010 season, Nishikori only has one goal now and that is to improve in 2011. His first event in the 2010 ATP season was Delray Beach where he was a wildcard entry. However, falling in the first round to Benjamin Becker, Nishikori returned
to the ATP Challenger Tour with much success. He enjoyed victories at the Savannah Challenger defeating Ryan Sweeting in straight sets and at the Sarasota Open defeating Brian Dabul.
Defeating Santiago Giraldo, Nishikori moved ahead into the second round to meet Novak Djokovic at the Roland Garros. Losing to Djokovic, Nishikori exited the event. Playing in the grass tour, Nishikori exited in the first rounds at the 2010 AEGON Championship
losing to Richard Gasquet and at the 2010 Wimbledon Championship losing to world number one, Rafael Nadal.
His season best came at the 2010 United States Open where he defeated Croat Marin Cilic in the second round to advance into the third round. He exited the event in the third round losing to Albert Montanes. This was his best performance at a Grand Slam since
2008, when Nishikori had made it to the fourth round of the same event. Nishikori finished the year ranked 98 in the world.
His season debut in 2011 will be at the Aircel Chennai Open alongside the likes of Richard Gasquet, Stanislas Wawrinka and Rohan Bopanna.
Talking about Gilbert, Nishikori said, "Brad’s knowledge as a former top player, as well as his coaching success, is something that can help me become a better player.”
Being coached by Gilbert will definitely be a plus point for the Japanese. The former had coached American legend Andre Agassi for nearly a decade, helping him to six Grand Slam titles during the period of 1994-2002. The years of experience will surely help
Nishikori perform better in 2011.
Tags: