Billie Jean King and Laura Robson have been amongst these to pay tribute after Alan Jones, one of the 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 stated of Jones on ITV Information: “Alan was one in every of my first coaches, he taught me a lot, however most significantly he taught me how enjoyable working onerous and committing to one thing may be.
“He had such an infectious power and keenness for the sport. You possibly 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 in addition off courtroom together with his beautiful household and far beloved huskies. Most of all I’m considering of them throughout this tough time. I hope they understand how missed he shall be.”
Durie, who reached No 5 on the planet and likewise made the semi-finals of the French Open and US Open in 1983, wrote on social media: “Completely 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. An enormous 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 at all times appeared ahead to catching up with Alan at Wimbledon. Our ideas and prayers exit to his household. Could he relaxation in peace.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA chief govt, stated: “The information of Alan’s passing has stuffed the tennis group with deep unhappiness.
“He was one of many pre-eminent coaches of our sport for nicely over half a century, teaching quite a few British No 1s, at all times with a eager eye on the longer term generations.
“Anybody who met him was left in little question about his ardour for the sport and his want to develop British gamers for achievement on the very prime of the game. He shall be sorely missed.”