Billie Jean King and Laura Robson have been amongst these to pay tribute after Alan Jones, one of the crucial revered coaches in British tennis, handed away on the age of 75 following a brief sickness.
Jones coached for over half a century with gamers he labored with together with Robson, Anne Keothavong, Elena Baltacha, Jo Durie and Jeremy Bates.
He was additionally an LTA Nationwide Coach in three separate stints.
Robson mentioned of Jones on ITV Information: “Alan was one among my first coaches, he taught me a lot, however most significantly he taught me how enjoyable working exhausting and committing to one thing may be.
“He had such an infectious power and keenness for the sport. You can hear his voice from a number of courts away, encouraging gamers from the primary to the final session.
“I spent loads of time on courtroom with Alan, but additionally off courtroom together with his pretty household and far beloved huskies. Most of all I’m considering of them throughout this tough time. I hope they know the way missed he shall be.”
Durie, who reached No 5 on this planet and likewise made the semi-finals of the French Open and US Open in 1983, wrote on social media: “Totally devastated to announce that Alan Jones, my long-time coach, mentor and pal has handed away after a brief sickness.
“Alan coached generations of gamers and influenced the lives of so many. A large within the tennis world. I used to be so fortunate to name him my pal.”
Twelve-time Grand Slam singles champion King responded to Durie’s tweet, saying: “Our sport has misplaced a passionate and devoted coach.
“I all the time appeared ahead to catching up with Alan at Wimbledon. Our ideas and prayers exit to his household. Might he relaxation in peace.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA chief government, mentioned: “The information of Alan’s passing has crammed the tennis neighborhood with deep unhappiness.
“He was one of many pre-eminent coaches of our sport for properly over half a century, teaching quite a few British No 1s, all the time with a eager eye on the longer term generations.
“Anybody who met him was left in little doubt about his ardour for the sport and his need to develop British gamers for fulfillment on the very high of the game. He shall be sorely missed.”