Gilbert Says Nadal on Coaching Wish List

In Beijing recently for a seminar as a Nike spokesperson, ESPN commentator Brad Gilbert, who coached Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to the No. 1 ranking, says Rafael Nadal is on the short list of players he would like to coach.

"If possible, I hope to become Rafael Nadal's coach," said Gilbert in an article on VamosRafael.com reported by Wen Shou and translated to English. "It's undeniable that (Roger) Federer is currently the best player and no one can pose a threat to him for the time being but currently the only player who can pose a threat to him in the future is Rafael Nadal."

Gilbert said that in addition to his arsenal, Nadal's flair is good for the game.

"That strong body, and love for tight tennis pirate pants, a fashion statement," Gilbert said. "Even my wife admires Nadal, she once joked that she likes (him) so much that she wishes she can adopt him and bring him home."

It was Gilbert's fourth trip to China, his first occurring in 1992.

"I was playing an exhibition match with Michael Chang in Guang Zhou back then, I lost, but it's normal as Guangdong is Michael Chang's hometown," said Gilbert, who also came to China while coaching Agassi. "(Agassi and I) were very surprised, this Chinese city is so charming, Andre said to me that Shanghai is as prosperous as Las Vegas...tall buildings in your face and the huge ipod billboard made me feel as if I'm in New York or Chicago."

Gilbert appeared dressed in his "Raider Nation" black, and explained his personal style to the locals.

"This is my trademark, black represents my character," Gilbert said. "Tiger Woods wears red, I wear black. Not only clothes, even my shoes, caps and sunglasses are in black. Not wearing a black cap today as Nike gave me a white cap, I said this is not my style, so no cap."