Meet the Woman Behind the Legend: Who is Brad Gilbert's Wife?

Brad Gilbert, a renowned tennis coach and former professional player, has been a household name in the tennis world for decades. With a career spanning multiple Davis Cup titles, ATP victories, and coaching stints with top-ranked players like Andy Roddick and Andy Murray, Gilbert's dedication to the sport is unwavering. While his impressive accomplishments in tennis often receive widespread recognition, his personal life, including his relationship with his wife, Vicki Groff Gilbert, remains somewhat under the radar. This article sheds light on the woman who has stood by Gilbert's side throughout his illustrious career, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their life and relationship.

As a long-time partner of Brad Gilbert, Vicki has been an integral part of his journey, supporting him through triumphs and struggles. In a 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gilbert spoke highly of his wife, saying, "Vicki is the reason I'm still in this business. She's the glue that holds me together." This testament to his affection for his wife highlights the significant impact she has had on his life and career.

Early Life and Relationship

Born in 1962, Vicki Groff Gilbert grew up in a family that valued the importance of education and sports. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she met Brad Gilbert in 1991. What started as a casual introduction soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. According to Gilbert, the pair's early years were filled with laughter and adventure, with "[no] idea" that their relationship would become years of marriage, traveling the tennis circuit as partners, and growing together as individuals.

Behind the Scenes of a Relationship

As the partner of a high-profile athlete, Vicki's role goes beyond being a supportive girlfriend or wife. Gilbert notes in interviews that Vicki has played an active part in managing his career, from scheduling to providing emotional support during grueling training sessions. She has attended countless tennis tournaments, most often arriving at events before Bradford to handle pre- and post-match details.

Family and Personal Life

Vicki and Bradford have two sons, Jack and Griffin, born in 1996 and 2002, respectively. Being active parents, the couple valued balancing their work and family life. Gilbert would often prioritize family time, scheduling breaks in his schedule to spend quality time with his loved ones. Vicki has maintained a relatively low profile, preferring to focus on family and personal interests rather than seeking the spotlight.

Raising a Family

Interviews with the Gilberts reveal that the couple prioritized creating a strong, supportive home environment for their sons. In an article for ESPN, Vicki Gilbert mentioned that family gets-togethers were crucial to maintaining family bonds. During tournaments, the couple would often rely on extended family, like Vicki's mother, as well as close friends and colleagues, to watch the boys while Vicki and Bradford focused on their tennis endeavors.