The Scoop: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Roddick-Gilbert may have parted over money
Dean Goldfine a near lock for job; Dent next for Gilbert?

By Matthew Cronin, TennisReporters.net

Art Seitz

Brad (with wife Kim) will be looking for a new horse.

Sources have told TennisReporters.net that Andy Roddick fired Brad Gilbert because they couldn’t come to financial terms over his 2005 contract. Gilbert has worked without a formal contract since the two began working together in June 2003.

A source also told TR.net that Roddick and Davis Cup coach Dean Goldfine are in the midst of discussing a contract, although nothing had been signed as of Monday night.

On Monday, Roddick formally released Gilbert, who helped lead him to the '03 US Open title and the No. 1 ranking. However, Roddick did not play up to expectations in 2004, failing to win a Grand Slam crown and unable to lead the US to a Davis Cup title, his two biggest goals this year. While Roddick won four titles and finished the year ranked No. 2, he didn’t perform particularly well after winning Indianapolis in July, as he was shocked in the US Open quarters by Joachim Johansson, was embarrassed in the semis of TMC Houston by Lleyton Hewitt and then dropped two tight matches in the Davis Cup final.

Gilbert didn’t attend the Davis Cup final, while Goldfine, who assists US Captain Patrick McEnroe, did.

"I have enjoyed all of my time with Andy," Gilbert said on his web site. "He has been a great student of the game during the time we worked together and I am very proud of the results that were achieved. While I clearly believe that there is still a great deal of work to be done, Andy clearly does not feel that way. I wish Andy all of the best and will be rooting for him."

Sources say the intense Gilbert and the opinionated Jerry Roddick, the player's father, clashed over money. Jerry Roddick has never been heavily involved in his son’s on-court choices, but the investor does handle most of his money matters. Roddick said his decision to not rehire Gilbert "is based on what I think is best for my game at this time."

PERSONALITIES MAY HAVE CLASHED
It is also possible that the two fast-talking, sometimes anxious coach and pupil wore on each other after a year and half. Roddick’s former coach, Tarik Benhabiles, was a much more laid back character, as is Gilbert’s former prize pupil, Andre Agassi.

Some media have speculated that former No. 1 Jim Courier might take the coaching reigns, but Courier has told friends that will not occur. Interestingly, Roddick's close friend Mardy Fish recently hired the recently-retired Todd Martin as his new coach, who was coached for a long time by Goldfine.

One of the world’s most respected strategic coaches, Gilbert was also fired by Andre Agassi in January 2002. During the year-and-a-half relationship between Agassi and Roddick, Gilbert worked a little with France’s Tatiana Golovin. Gilbert isn’t known for attempting major reclamation projects; so it’s possible he will wait for another major coaching opportunity from a Top 10 player.

Taylor Dent asked Gilbert to work with him just before Roddick hired him and no longer has a formal coach other than his father, Phil, who he works with occasionally. Phil Dent is a former tour player.

Another name that has been thrown around for Gilbert is Lleyton Hewitt … should the Australian not perform up to par in 2005 under his former trainer and now coach Roger Rasheed.