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In Memoriam

"One of the kindest": Tennis family honors late Nick Bollettieri on social media

Said Tommy Haas, "You were a dreamer and a doer, and a pioneer in our sport."

ByBaseline Staff

Published Dec 05, 2022

Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri passed away Sunday at the age of 91.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, who founded the famed Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978, impacted numerous generations on the court through his training techniques, trailblazing vision and vibrant personality. Tributes for Bollettieri began pouring in overnight, with Tommy Haas among the first to share how the American helped shape who he is today.

“Thank you for your time, knowledge, commitment, expertise, the willingness to share your skill, your personal interest in mentoring me, and giving me the best opportunity to follow my dreams. You were a dreamer and a doer, and a pioneer in our sport, truly one of a kind,” Haas wrote on Instagram.

“I surely will miss you around the academy, our tennis talks, miss showing of your tan, white teeth and body fat, miss watching you do Tai Chi, miss playing golf with you watching you try to cheat, eating a Snickers bar and running for the bushes, and hearing all about your plans even at the age of 91.”

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Bollettieri’s kindness was a common thread among the early acknowledgements that were posted.

“Most of all, you were a very kind human being. It was an honor to have known you,” said Martina Navratilova.

“Aside from being the greatest coach ever, you were so kind to me, my parents, and my siblings… that meant more to me than anything,” declared Chris Evert.

Wrote Denis Shapovalov, “You have given our sport so much, and will always be remembered and cherished as one of the kindest.”

A short time later, one of his most famous students joined in remembering the icon.

“Our dear friend, Nick Bollettieri, graduated from us last night," said Andre Agassi. “He gave so many a chance to live their dream. He showed us all how life can be lived to the fullest.”

As the greater tennis family continues pay respect to Bollettieri, we’ll continue adding tokens of appreciation here:

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