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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 stated of Jones on ITV Information: “Alan was certainly one of my first coaches, he taught me a lot, however most significantly he taught me how enjoyable working exhausting and committing to one thing might be.
“He had such an infectious vitality and keenness for the sport. You may 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 beautiful household and far beloved huskies. Most of all I’m pondering of them throughout this troublesome time. I hope they know the way missed he might be.”
Durie, who reached No 5 on the earth and in addition 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 good friend 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 good friend.”
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 regarded 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 govt, stated: “The information of Alan’s passing has crammed the tennis neighborhood with deep disappointment.
“He was one of many pre-eminent coaches of our sport for properly over half a century, teaching quite a few British No 1s, at all times with a eager eye on the long run generations.
“Anybody who met him was left in little doubt about his ardour for the sport and his want to develop British gamers for fulfillment on the very high of the game. He might be sorely missed.”
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