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The announcement of the death of Nick Bollettieri at 91 years old on Monday has created a wave of emotion on the tennis planet. From Chris Evert to Daniela Hantuchova through Paul-Henri Mathieu and Brad Gilbert, many big names in the game, players and coaches alike, have published messages on social networks, saluting the memory of the American. Here are some of them.
He left an indelible mark on the world of small ball. At 91 years old, Nick Bolletieri, famous for having founded an eponymous academy through which a multitude of champions have passed, including Andre Agassi, Boris Becker and Maria Sharapova, died Monday. The news was made official by Tommy Haas, former world number 2 and current director of the Masters 1000 Indian Wells. As the day progressed, many people paid tribute to his life and work, starting with some of the biggest names in sport, from all generations. Here is a selection.
Andre Agassi: “Our dear friend, Nick Bollettieri, ‘graduated from us last night’ in reference to the diplomas he obtained in his academy. He gave so many people the opportunity to live their dream. He showed us how to live life to the fullest…. Thank you Nick.”
Chris Evert: “Rest in peace Nick Bolletieri. Aside from being the best coach ever, you were so kind to me, my parents, my siblings…it meant more than anything to me, you had a big heart and the joy of life…”
Martina Navratilova: “Rest in peace Nick. You were a fantastic coach who transformed the way tennis is taught. And above all, you were a very kind human being, it was an honor to have known you…”
Billie Jean King: “Our sport has lost one of its most passionate advocates and coaches. Nick was always positive and brought out the best in those who had the chance to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his team at the Academy. May he rest in peace.”
Denis Shapovalov: “I heard the sad news when I woke up. It was an honor to have known you. I will always remember you coming to the court to give me advice. You gave so much to our sport, and you will be remembered as one of the kindest people in the sport. Rest in peace Nick.”
Daniela Hantuchova: “Thank you Nick for everything. I will never find enough words to say how grateful I am for everything you did, not just for me, but for the tennis world and for all of us who were lucky enough to be your students.”
Famous coaches also saluted the Floridian’s memory, foremost among them his compatriots Brad Gilbert (former coach of Andre Agassi) and Paul Annacone (coach of Taylor Fritz who also worked with Roger Federer and Pete Sampras).
Brad Gilbert : “Rest in peace Nick. You were an absolute giant who helped generations of players.”
Paul Anncone: “Coach, mentor, passionate about tennis and life, this man will be sorely missed. The deaths are not enough. Thank you Nick.”
Patrick Mouratoglou: “I am very saddened by the passing of Nick Bollettieri. The tennis family lost someone very important today, someone who developed our industry and provided opportunities for coaches and players.We will remember the very special human being you were and we will miss you.”
