Andre Agassi leads tributes for ‘dear friend’ Nick Bollettieri: ‘He gave many a chance to live their dream’
The great Nick Bollettieri has been hailed as kind, one of the most passionate coaches and a unique human being following his death.
The colourful and larger than life Bollettieri, who coached 10 world No 1s, died at the age of 91 on Sunday.
“When he became sick, he got so many wonderful messages from former students and players and coaches. Many came to visit him. He got videos from others,” his manager Steve Shulla told The Associated Press. “It was wonderful. He touched so many lives and he had a great send-off.”
Bollettieri, the son of Italian immigrants, founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978 and it was bought by the International Management Group in 1987.
That academy would nurturer many a legend with the most famous being Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Jim Courier, Mary Pierce, Martina Hingis and Marcelo Rios.
Bollettieri coached Agassi from 1983 until 1993 and during that time the American won Wimbledon (1992) and finished runner-up at two Australian Opens and one US Open.
“Our dear friend, Nick Bollettieri, graduated from us last night. He gave so many a chance to live their dream. He showed us all how life can be lived to the fullest…” former world No 1 Agassi wrote.
“Thank you, Nick 🙏🏼”
Our dear friend, Nick Bollettieri, graduated from us last night. He gave so many a chance to live their dream. He showed us all how life can be lived to the fullest…
Thank you, Nick 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/PhO36oPWpI
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) December 5, 2022
Another former world No 1 Chris Evert hailed him for being kind.
“RIP Nick Bollettieri. 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, you had a big heart and a zest for living,” the 18-time Grand Slam winner wrote.
The great Billie Jean King, winner of 39 major titles, also took to Twitter to pay tribute.
“Our sport lost one of its most passionate coaches & advocates. Nick was always positive & was able to get the best out of everyone fortunate enough to work w/him,” she wrote.
“Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & team at the Academy.
“May he rest in peace.”
Our sport lost one of its most passionate coaches & advocates. Nick was always positive & was able to get the best out of everyone fortunate enough to work w/him.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & team at the Academy.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/svkmaNXdBd
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 5, 2022
Fellow renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who has worked with Serena Williams, Simona Halep and Holger Rune, says Bollettieri paved the way for his own academy.
“You are a pioneer, You are a visionary,” the Frenchman, who founded the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in 1996 near Paris, wrote on Instagram.
“Thanks to you, I have dreamt of having my own Tennis Academy, help the young generation find themselves as adults, prepare them for life, and make their dreams come true.
“For those who have had the chance to meet you, they can testify that you had a very unique energy and a lot of power inside yourself that you were able to convey to all the players. That made you such a unique human being.
“I’m very saddened by the loss of Nick Bollettieri. The tennis family has lost someone very important today, someone who has made our industry grow and has opened opportunities for coaches and players.
“We will remember the very special human being you were.
“We will all miss you.”
World No 18 Denis Shapovalov said the American would be “cherished as one of the kindest”.
“I will always remember and appreciate you coming out to my court and giving me advice,” he said. “You have given our sport so much, and will always be remembered and cherished as one of the kindest, RIP Nick.”
READ MORE: One of legendary coach Nick Bollettieri’s final interviews as he reflected on his tennis legacy
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”