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Posted: 2024-01-23 09:40:19

It is hard to find a tennis player or coach who hasn't read Brad Gilbert's book Winning Ugly since it was published more than 30 years ago.

Drawing upon what he learned during his playing days when he reached a world ranking of four, Gilbert revealed strategies that could be used by both the professional and recreational player.

He stressed successful tennis doesn't have to be aesthetically pleasing – a point he has acknowledged summed him up as a player – but instead built on a range of tactics designed to outsmart an opponent.

Gilbert went on to enjoy a decorated coaching career that included guiding Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to major titles and the top ranking in men's tennis.

His book still attracts an audience, although there is someone who hasn't flicked through its pages — his current pupil, Coco Gauff.

"I bought a copy but I didn't read it," a smiling Gauff told an Australian Open media conference.

"Maybe I should add it to my reading list … my mum actually got it for me when we were in the talks of just possibly working with Brad and she was like, 'You need to read this'.

"She read it and I didn't read it. But I feel like I got the real version so I don't need a book. But maybe it could help.

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