Gilbert 'will boost Brit tennis'
Wednesday, 05 Dec 2007 14:49
Bogdanovic has failed to live up to his potential so far in his career
Former British number one Tim Henman believes Alex Bogdanovic has a "great chance" to improve under the watchful eye of tennis coach Brad Gilbert.
The American split with world number 11 Andy Murray last month after 18 months of working together and will now spend more time with Britain's other rising stars.
And Henman, who worked closely with Murray and Gilbert during Britain's Davis Cup successes this year, said the coach's decision to continue to work full-time with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) would benefit the players.
"Brad's knowledge and motivation could be of enormous benefit to Alex - he will be on his case," said the 33-year-old former Wimbledon semi-finalist.
"Alex needs to improve physically and mentally. It's a great chance for him."
Henman believes Britain's lower-ranked players should use the prospect of a Davis Cup World Group tie against Argentina in Buenos Aires next year as motivation to continue improving.
Andy Murray and older brother Jamie are virtual shoo-ins for two of the places in the team, but following the retirement of Henman the other two spots are very much up for grabs.
Youngster Jamie Baker was the fourth team member alongside Henman and the Murray brothers in the World Group playoff against Croatia earlier this year and Bogdanovic is in pole position to join him in the squad.
"Playing against Argentina should be a great carrot for Bogdanovic and Baker," the Oxford-born veteran continued.
"The tie is as tough as it gets. It is not unwinnable but it's going to be very tough because Argentina have got amazing strength in depth, home advantage and playing on clay is a tough task for us.
"But you've always got to go there with a belief that you can cause an upset."