Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped develop superstars similar to Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has died aged 91, the IMG Academy introduced in a press release on Monday.
“Nick Bollettieri, the legendary tennis coach and founder of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the foundation for today’s IMG Academy, has passed away,” learn the assertion.
The IMG Academy is a a non-public boarding faculty that describes itself as “the world’s leading sports education brand.”
The AP stories Bollettieri died at house in Florida after a sequence of well being points, in accordance his supervisor, Steve Shulla.
It comes after Shulla was final month compelled to concern a press release denying untimely stories of Bollettieri’s demise.
While his strategies have been generally controversial, his academy in Florida churned out high gamers and he was to teach 10 gamers who would go on to change into primary on this planet.
Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and Mary Pierce have been different stars who handed by his Bradenton advanced.
Bollettieri additionally suggested Venus and Serena Williams and Boris Becker. “Tennis wouldn’t be where it is today without Nick’s influence,” mentioned Jimmy Arias, IMG Academy director of tennis and certainly one of Bollettieri’s unique college students.
“His tennis academy, which I had the privilege of growing up within, not only served as a launching pad for many tennis greats but evolved into an institution that has had a profound impact on the development of athletes across many sports at all levels.” Bollettieri based the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy — now IMG Academy — in 1978 with a deal with intense bodily coaching, complete immersion, and ongoing competitors among the many most proficient gamers on this planet.
His enthusiasm for teaching continued virtually proper as much as the top. “Even in his last days, you could often find him on campus, coaching and mentoring young student-athletes and staff with the same passion and enthusiasm as he did in his 20s,” mentioned Tim Pernetti, President of IMG Academy Bradenton, a division of IMG Academy.
“Our heart goes out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He has made a permanent and lasting impact on all of us.”
Tommy Haas — a four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist and world quantity two — posted a transferring tribute to the Korean War veteran.
“So many memories, I am not sure where to begin,” posted the 44-year-old on Instagram.
“Nickiiii, that’s how i have called you for the longest time.
“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.”
American tennis nice Brad Gilbert additionally wrote on Twitter: “RIP Nick. You were an absolute giant who helped generations of players”.
