Nick Bollettieri, who coached many of tennis’ greatest athletes, died Sunday at his home in Bradenton, Fla., at the age of 91. produced an incredible 10 international No. 1 players at the end of his career, from Andre Agassi to the Williams sisters. Nicholas James Bollettieri was born in Pelham, New York on July 31, 1931 to an Italian immigrant couple. Having barely touched a racquet before, he began coaching the sport to support himself while in law school, apparently knowing so little about the sport that he met with local tennis professionals before each lesson to get advice, depending on the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Bollettieri’s legacy would be cemented decades later in 1978 when he pioneered the idea of a tennis academy, which would become the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and later evolve into the IMG Academy, with a program so rigorous under his direction that he drew comparisons with a factory. and correction camp. “Our dear friend, Nick Bollettieri, graduated last night,” Agassi said. “He gave so many people a chance to live their dream.”
Comments are closed.