John McEnroe names the American tennis figure who he wants to get inducted into the international Hall of Fame

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America has boasted some of the greatest tennis players in the sport’s history over the years, but of late that dominance has somewhat ceased.

Andy Roddick threatened to bring it back, but was stuck in an era riddled with generational talent, whilst the likes of Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe have also failed to fill the power vacuum as young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have instead emerged.

It is tough in tennis, as there is always someone being developed ready to take that spot at the top.

However, for the USA, Coco Gauff stands out as their best hope at long-term dominance once again.

John McEnroe praises legendary American tennis figure

John McEnroe is one of a great line of American tennis superstars, and his emergence into the game arguably coincided with its explosion in popularity.

He was loud and abrasive, but absolute box office to watch. People loved to hate him, and in retirement, his legacy has only grown.

However, speaking to ESPN just a few days ago, he actually spoke about a compatriot who he felt should be recognised for his offerings to tennis.

Brad Gilbert, who is currently seeking to mould Gauff into the next big thing to come out of the States, has enjoyed a long and storied career having coached some of the greats.

And despite McEnroe and Gilbert arguing over Coco Gauff’s Wimbledon exit, the former did have one nice thing to say: ‘I love your defence of your pupil there and I’m going to nominate Brad Gilbert next year for the international tennis Hall of Fame along with our other cohort Darren Cahill, both of whom deserve to be in the international tennis Hall of Fame.’ 

How good has Brad Gilbert been for tennis?

Gilbert was a fine tennis professional in his own right across a 13-year career at the top of the game, but his accomplishments throughout his own career pail in comparison to that which he coached out of his students.

After all, a tally of 20 ATP titles, and a best-ever finish of quarter-finals at a Grand Slam marks a solid innings.

Andre Agassi, Roddick, Andy Murray and Gauff, however, have all enjoyed successes way beyond his wildest dreams as a player.

The former, widely regarded as one of America’s best-ever tennis players, won all but one of his eight Grand Slam titles under Gilbert’s tutelage, as well as an Olympic Gold Medal.

Similarly, Roddick won his one and only Grand Slam title, the 2003 US Open, with Gilbert by his side, and Gauff also boasts that title too, won last year.

Murray’s one-year spell with the coach was not quite as revolutionary, but he did help him break into the top ten, laying the foundation for his future success.

The imprint that Gilbert has left on tennis is a lasting one, and with the youthful, malleable and already brilliant Gauff under his watchful eye now, his legacy is only due to be expanded.