Gilbert agrees to coach Murray

American Brad Gilbert has agreed to coach British teenager Andy Murray, the Lawn Tennis Association said on Wednesday.

Gilbert, who has helped Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to the top of the world rankings previously, will also assist the LTA with its performance programmes.

"I am really looking forward to working with Andy as he is one of the most talented young players on the tour," said Gilbert.

"I am also looking forward to working at the LTA and it is great to see (LTA chief executive) Roger Draper making changes for the benefit of British tennis."

No financial details of the deal were released.

British number one Murray knocked Roddick out of Wimbledon earlier this month on his way to the fourth round. The 19-year-old Scot is ranked 36 in the world but has been playing without a coach since splitting with Mark Petchey in April.

"While growing up, Agassi was one of the players I looked up to," said Murray.

"He won several Grand Slams and reached number one in the world with Brad so I am delighted to now have Brad as my coach.

"Back in April, I set a very high standard for what my next coach needed to have in terms of experience and Brad meets all the requirements to guide the next stage of my tennis career."

Murray and Gilbert will team up for the first time at the Washington ATP event next week.

LTA chief Draper said that Gilbert's arrival did not affect Jeremy Bates's position as head of performance. Bates resigned as Britain's Davis Cup captain on Monday.

"Brad will be fully focussed on front-line coaching and is not a replacement for the position of performance director," Draper said.

"As part of our new strategy for British tennis we want the best people in the world actually 'on the ground' helping create more tennis champions."