British tennis ushered in its new 'ugly' era yesterday with the confirmation that American maverick Brad Gilbert will take over as Andy Murray's new coach in addition to pursuing a wider remit within the LTA.
Gilbert, whose acclaimed manual Winning Ugly taught lesser players how to use mental strength to overcome more naturally talented opponents, is regarded as one of the greatest coaching brains in the game.
And British No 1 Murray expressed his delight after finally ending his three-month search for a replacement for Mark Petchey by securing the services of a man Andre Agassi has labelled "the greatest coach of all time".
Murray said: "When I was growing up Andre was one of the players I looked up to. He won several grand slams and reached number one in the world with Brad so I am delighted to now have Brad as my coach.
"Back in April I set a very high standard for what my next coach needed to have in terms of experience and Brad meets all the requirements to guide the next stage of my tennis career."
As well as helping Murray consolidate his position within the world's elite, Gilbert's expertise will be utilised by British tennis chiefs eager to unearth the next generation of talent.
The 44-year-old Gilbert will work closely with the LTA's existing youth coaches in what will be considered a major coup by the organisation's new chief executive Roger Draper.
Draper has acknowledged drastic action is required to reverse Britain's ailing tennis fortunes which were highlighted by an embarrassing Davis Cup defeat to Israel.
Draper said: "This is fantastic news both for Andy in terms of what he aspires to become within world tennis, and for British tennis in general as we seek to get ourselves back on track.
"We have undoubtedly got the talent but maybe we have not had the right attitude. We need to be more focused, more determined and more ruthless in what we want to achieve."
Gilbert, who won 20 career singles titles, made his name on the coaching circuit by steering Agassi to six grand slam crowns during their eight-year relationship which ended in 2002. Gilbert then teamed up with Andy Rod-dick, who won the 2003 US Open.
Gilbert said: "I am really looking forward to working with Andy as he is one of the most talented young players on the tour.
"I am also looking forward to working with the LTA and it is great to see Roger Draper making changes for the benefit of British tennis." * Second seed Lleyton Hewitt, of Australia, was upset 6-4, 6-4 by American Paul Goldstein in the first round of the Los Angeles Open. Former champion Tommy Haas of Germany advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Australia's Wayne Arthurs in searing 114 degree Fahrenheit heat.
