DailyExpertNews
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Nick Bollettieri, the famous tennis coach who taught the Williams sisters, Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has passed away at the age of 91.
Bollettieri’s death was confirmed by the IMG Academy, of which Bollettieri is the founder, in a statement to DailyExpertNews.
“Anyone who knew Nick knows how much he loved developing the potential of young people, coaching tennis and this Academy,” said Tim Pernetti, president of IMG Academy Bradenton – a division of IMG Academy -.
“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 twenties. Our hearts go out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He has made a lasting and lasting impact on all of us.”
Tommy Haas, former world number 2 and one of Bollettieri’s former students, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“So many memories, not sure where to start. Nickiiiiii, that’s what I’ve called you the longest,” Haas wrote.
“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.
“I will definitely miss you at the academy, our tennis talks, showing off your tan, white teeth and body fat, missing watching you do tai chi, missing playing golf with you watching you try to cheat. play, eat a Snickers bar and run for the bushes, and hear all about your plans, even at 91 years old.
“Thanks again for everything……..RIP Nickiiiiii.”
Born in Pelham, New York, Bollettieri turned his attention to tennis coaching to earn money while studying law at the University of Miami. He had previously spent time as a high school quarterback and as a paratrooper in the military.
In 1977, he founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy – now the IMG Academy – after borrowing $1 million from a friend to build a live-in tennis academy for his students.
During more than 30 years as a coach, Bollettieri became one of the most sought-after teachers in world tennis due to the success players had under him.
The Academy has since expanded to other men’s and women’s sports, including baseball, football, and soccer.
In 2006, in an interview with DailyExpertNews World Sport, the famous trainer laid out his vision for successful athletes and how they should be open to change.
“The physical and mental part of the game should not be secondary to your playing time,” he said. “You have to have a passion for the game and fight for every point.”
He coached multiple grand slam winners and 10 world No. 1 players, including Agassi, the Williams sisters, Sharapova, Boris Becker, Monica Seles and Anna Kournikova before being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014.
2011 Wimbledon runner-up and former world No. 12 Sabine Lisicki paid tribute to Bollettieri on her social media saying, “Thanks Nick.”
“It’s hard to find the right words and I’m not sure I’ll be able to,” the German wrote.
“You have given so many children a place to work for their dream. Support with your knowledge and the belief that anything is possible. I was lucky enough to be one of them. So many memories we created together that I will cherish forever.
“You shaped the game of tennis and just a few months ago, when you were 92, you told me all about your next plans.
“You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Nicky.”
Jimmy Arias, former world No. 5 and one of Bollettieri’s original students, also paid tribute to him.
“Tennis wouldn’t be where it is today without Nick’s influence,” said Arias.
“His tennis academy, where I had the privilege of growing up, not only served as a launching pad for many tennis greats, but grew into an institution that has had a profound impact on the development of athletes in many sports at all levels.”
