2022 French Open finalist Cori Gauff paid tribute to Nick Bollettieri, the coach she considers “one of the greatest” in tennis history. On December 4, Bollettieri passed away at the age of 91. During his astonishing coaching career, Bollettieri worked with numerous talents that later went on to become all-time greats.
In 1978, Bollettieri founded the Bollettieri Academy in Florida – the academy has since been renamed to IMG Academy. Bollettieri’s list included the likes of Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles, etc.
Gauff’s tribute to Bollettieri
“RIP to one of the pioneers of the game and one of the greatest coaches the game has ever seen. Thank you Mr. Nick Bollettieri,” Gauff wrote on Twitter.
RIP to one of the pioneers of the game and one of the greatest coaches the game has ever seen🙏🏾 Thank you Mr.
Nick Bollettieri — Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) December 5, 2022
Last month, it was reported that Bollettieri’s health was declining. This Monday, IMG Academy announced that Bollettieri passed away. “Anyone who knew Nick knows how much he loved developing the potential in young people, coaching tennis and this Academy.
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. Our heart goes out to his wife, Cindi, and his children.
He has made a permanent and lasting impact on all of us,” Tim Pernetti, the President of IMG Academy Bradenton said. Jimmy Arias, an American tennis legend and someone who was once coached by Bollettieri, acknowledged the influence Bollettieri had on the game.
“Tennis wouldn’t be where it is today without Nick’s influence. 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,” Arias said of Bollettieri.
Since the news of Bollettieri’s passing, many from the tennis community have paid tribute to the legendary tennis coach.
