While some may have disagreed with his methods, his Florida academy consistently produced top players, and ten of those players went on to become the best in the world under his guidance.
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The IMG Academy released a statement announcing the passing of legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who helped shape stars like Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova. Bollettieri was 91 years old. While some may have disagreed with his methods, his Florida academy consistently produced top players, and ten of those players went on to become the best in the world under his guidance. Other celebrities who visited his Bradenton complex included Mary Pierce, Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Anna Kournikova, and Jim Courier. “Nick Bollettieri, the legendary tennis coach and founder of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which served as the foundation for today’s IMG Academy, has passed away,” read the statement.
Venus, Serena, and Boris Williams were all given advice by Bollettieri. “Tennis wouldn’t be where it is today without Nick’s influence,” said Jimmy Arias, IMG Academy director of tennis and one of Bollettieri’s initial students. “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.”
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. He was still very enthusiastic about coaching almost to the very 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,” said Tim Pernetti, President of IMG Academy Bradenton.
Here is how the world of tennis reacted on Twitter to the death of the late great tennis coach.
