This Sunday, the world of tennis lived a day of mourning after the American media released the death of one of the most transcendental trainers in the history of the specialty, Nick Bollettieri.
To the 91 years old, The Italian-American coach suffers from a disease that was not revealed by his relatives. “Dad is close to transitioning to the next place. Please keep him in your thoughts so that he has a peaceful departure and a wonderful journey. We love you daddy,” Angelique wrote.one of the trainer’s daughters on his Facebook account.
However, hours later, through his own Instagram account, Nick Bollettieri himself delivered a message about his eventual death.
“I can assure you that, contrary to what you have heard. I’m still alive and kicking. There won’t be anything that can keep me down for long. I have my family with me and a lot of visitors, which makes me very happy (…) As I always say, it is not easy but it is worth continuing. i’m a lucky man“, he pointed out.
A message from Nick. pic.twitter.com/RnMYwpz0po
— IMG Academy Tennis (@IMGATennis) November 20, 2022
The influence of Nick Bollettieri
With the academy that he set up in Florida, in 1978forged the career of tennis players who have marked the United States in recent decades, such as Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, the sisters Serena and Venus Williams, among others.
His influence also reached players from other countries, including Chile, since It was at his academy where Marcelo Ríos, Nicolás Massú and Fernando Gonzalez they took their first steps seriously about this activity.
Those who today defend the country in the circuit also passed through that place, as Nicolás Jarry, Cristian Garin and Alejandro Tabilo. In fact, the latter was a scholarship holder there for four years.
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