Winning Ugly | Brad Gilbert | Talks at Google

Steve Jamison and Brad Gilbert discuss the informal atmosphere at Google compared to the professional tennis world. Brad reminisces about his tennis career, highlighting how the game has become faster and more athletic over time. He also shares personal anecdotes, such as his rise to number four in the world rankings despite not being expected to excel, and the influence of his coach, Tom Chivington, who helped him see tennis in a simpler, more enjoyable light. Brad emphasizes the importance of mental skills and self-evaluation in tennis, which he believes were his strongest assets.

Brad Gilbert and Steve Jamison continue their conversation, focusing on Brad's philosophy of 'winning ugly' and his experiences as a coach. Brad explains that winning ugly is about competing in one's own way and not being constrained by traditional methods. He shares how his coaching approach differs from his own playing style, using Andre Agassi as an example of a player who sought to exploit opponents' strengths. Brad also discusses the importance of journey and process in coaching, rather than fixating on rankings or outcomes.

The discussion shifts to the topic of athleticism and longevity in tennis, with Brad Gilbert expressing his admiration for modern players like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams. He comments on Serena's adaptability and use of technology in her game, despite her belief that she was more athletic a decade ago. Brad also reflects on his own potential in today's tennis landscape, acknowledging the improvements in training, diet, and year-round athlete preparation.

Brad Gilbert likens his concept of 'winning ugly' to Floyd Mayweather's boxing strategy, describing him as a defensive genius who wins by outpointing opponents rather than knockouts. He admires Mayweather's ability to avoid getting hit and to bore opponents into submission, which he sees as a sign of genius. Brad predicts an easy, unanimous decision for Mayweather in an upcoming fight, without a knockout.

An audience member asks Brad for advice on coaching his son, who struggles to transfer his sports resilience to academics. Brad emphasizes the importance of education and finding a balance between sports and schoolwork. He suggests making learning fun through games and not stressing children about achieving perfection. Brad also discusses his own experiences and the importance of life skills that sports can teach.

The conversation turns to meditation and mindfulness, with an audience member asking Brad about his practices and if he incorporated them into his coaching. Brad admits he didn't meditate but was his own 'sports shrink,' focusing on game plans and strategies. He shares an anecdote about trying a salt tank meditation with fellow tennis player Brian Teacher, which did not suit him. He also discusses his coaching style, which involves positivity and finding something to improve upon after each match.

Brad Gilbert discusses the changes in sports training since his childhood, noting the trend towards specializing in one sport at a young age. He contrasts this with his own experience of playing multiple sports. Brad argues for the benefits of playing on clay courts, which teach discipline and how to build points. He believes that embracing clay courts could help improve American tennis players.

The discussion focuses on the future of American tennis, with Brad expressing hope for a new generation of players. He mentions young talents like Francis Tiafoe and Reilly Opelka, who he believes have the potential to break through in the coming years. Brad also shares his thoughts on the importance of adapting coaching styles to the individual player.

An audience member reads a quote from Andre Agassi's biography, highlighting Brad's influence on Andre's mindset and approach to challenges. Brad reflects on his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of short-term memory loss and focusing on the future. He shares insights into Andre's exceptional memory and intelligence, and how he helped Andre focus on being 'good enough' to win.

The conversation explores Brad's coaching approach, particularly his adaptability to different players. He discusses the importance of not having a one-size-fits-all coaching philosophy and the need to understand each player's unique abilities and mindset. Brad also shares his experiences working with the media and his thoughts on the future of tennis.

The discussion turns to the role of genetics and luck in athletic performance, with Brad sharing his observations on how players like Roger Federer maintain their health and performance. He notes that there is no foolproof way to prevent injuries, and that a combination of factors, including genetics, training, and luck, contribute to a player's longevity and success in sports.

The conversation concludes with Brad's thoughts on the future of tennis and the potential for new dominant players. He highlights the talent of young players like Borna Coric and Nick Kyrgios but cautions against placing too much pressure on them. Brad emphasizes the importance of handling expectations and the unique qualities that define greatness in sports.