Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped develop superstars like Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has passed away at the age of 91, the IMG Academy announced in a statement on Monday. “Nick Bollettieri, the legendary tennis coach and founder of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which formed the basis for today’s IMG Academy, has passed away,” the statement read. While his methods were sometimes controversial, his Florida academy produced top players and would go on to coach 10 players who would become world number one.
Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and Mary Pierce were other stars who passed through his Bradenton complex.
Bollettieri also advised Venus and Serena Williams and Boris Becker.
“Tennis wouldn’t be where it is today without Nick’s influence,” said Jimmy Arias, IMG Academy director of tennis and one of Bollettieri’s original students.
“His tennis academy, in which I had the privilege of growing up, not only served as a springboard for many tennis greats, but evolved into an institution that has had a profound impact on the development of athletes in many sports at all levels.”
Bollettieri founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy – now IMG Academy – in 1978 with a focus on intense physical training, total immersion and constant competition among the world’s most talented players.
His enthusiasm for coaching lasted almost to the end.
“Even in his final days, you could often find him on campus, coaching and mentoring young student-athletes and staff with the same passion and enthusiasm he had in his 20s,” said Tim Pernetti, president of IMG Academy Bradenton, a division of the IMG Academy.
“Our hearts go out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He made a lasting and lasting impression on all of us.”
Tommy Haas, four-time Grand Slam semifinalist and world number two, posted a moving tribute to the Korean War veteran.
“So many memories, I’m not sure where to start,” the 44-year-old posted on Instagram.
“Nickiiii, that’s what I’ve called you the longest.
“Thank you for your time, knowledge, dedication, expertise, willingness to share your skills, your personal interest in guiding me and giving me the best chance to follow my dreams.
“You were a dreamer and a doer, and a pioneer in our sport, truly one of a kind.”
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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