Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who coached players like Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, has passed away at the age of 91, the IMG Academy confirmed on Monday. The announcement stated that “Nick Bollettieri, the famed tennis coach and creator of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the cornerstone for today’s IMG Academy, has gone away.” While some may have disagreed with his tactics, his Florida academy consistently produced outstanding players, and ten of those players went on to become the best in the world under his guidance.
Other celebrities who visited his Bradenton facility included Mary Pierce, Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova, and Jim Courier. 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’s director of tennis and a former student of Bollettieri’s
“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.”
Nick’s IMG Academy produced some world class players
In 1978, Bollettieri established the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which is now known as the IMG Academy, with a focus on rigorous physical training, total immersion, and ongoing competition among the world’s best players. His enthusiasm for coaching continued almost right up to the end.
“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.”
SAID TIM PERNETTI, PRESIDENT OF IMG ACADEMY BRADENTON, A DIVISION OF IMG ACADEMY.
Tommy Haas, the four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist and world number two posted a moving tribute to the Korean War veteran.
“So many memories, I am not sure where to begin,” posted the 44-year-old on Instagram. 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.”
He was the coach of Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Tommy Haas, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and many more, the great Nick Bollettieri has passed away.
