legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieriwho trained players like Andre Agassi and Maria SharapovaHe has passed away at the age of 91, the IMG Academy confirmed Monday. The announcement stated that “Nick Bollettieri, the famed tennis coach and creator of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the cornerstone of today’s IMG Academy, is gone.” While some may have disagreed with his tactics, his Florida academy consistently produced outstanding players, ten of those players becoming the best in the world under him.
Other celebrities who visited their Bradenton facility included Mary Pierce, Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova and jim messenger. 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, Director of Tennis at IMG Academy and a Bollettieri alumnus.
“His tennis academy, which I was privileged to grow up in, not only served as a launching pad for many tennis greats, but has evolved into an institution that has had a profound impact on athlete development in many sports. at all levels.”
Nick’s IMG Academy produced some world class players
In 1978, Bollettieri established the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, 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 training continued almost to the end.
“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 20s. Our hearts go out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. It has had a permanent and lasting impact on all of us.”
SAID TIM PERNETTI, PRESIDENT OF THE IMG BRADENTON ACADEMY, A DIVISION OF THE IMG ACADEMY.
Tommy HaasThe four-time Grand Slam semifinalist and world number two posted an emotional tribute to the Korean War veteran.
“So many memories, not sure where to start,” the 44-year-old posted on Instagram. Thank you for her time, knowledge, commitment, experience, willingness to share her skill, her personal interest in guiding 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.
