Pearce May Have Surprised Some, but UCLA’s Bassett Saw the Talent

Glenn Bassett was on the tennis court all day and didn’t get a chance to see Brad Pearce, his former student, on Centre Court.

But Bassett wasn’t all that surprised that Pearce was able to give top-ranked Ivan Lendl a match before losing, 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, Wednesday in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

“I guess I’m surprised because of what he’d done in the pros, but he has the talent to do those things,” said Bassett, who coached Pearce at UCLA, where Pearce reached the NCAA singles semifinals in 1985 and 1986.

“He has a real good mind and can play in front of crowds,” Bassett added. “He believes in himself and that’s half the battle. And he’s one of the best volleyers I’ve ever had. He’s just a little magician with his volleys.”

Bassett and Bruin assistant coach Billy Martin have been busy this week at their tennis camp in Ojai and weren’t able to watch Pearce’s amazing run at Wimbledon.

However, when Pearce was back at UCLA working out with the Bruins, Bassett saw a change in his game that may have made a difference at Wimbledon.

“He’s been back a couple of times and that’s rare for the pros,” Bassett said. “I noticed a change in his serve and that’s always been a struggle for him. He was using his legs more and tossing the ball up a little better.

“I’ve always felt that if he could serve better he could play with anyone because he volleys so well. He’s an attacking player and his best surface is grass, or a fast indoor surface.

“He’s still young (24) and needs to learn to work harder. But he’s maturing and has a family now. It seems he’s got it together now or he wouldn’t have done so well in this tournament. I just tickled for him.”