The tennis coach who worked with some of the sport's biggest stars, including Monica Seles, has died. He passed away at the age of 92. Steve Shulla, Bollettieri's manager, told The Associated Press on Monday that he died at home in Florida after a series of health issues. He got a lot of great messages when he was sick. Many people visited him. Shulla said that he got videos from other people. It was great. He touched a lot of people and had a great send-off. A man known for his gravelly voice, leathery skin and wraparound sunglasses, and a man who called himself the "Michelangelo of Tennis'' despite never playing professionally, Bollettieri helped 10 players who went on to be the world's top ranked player. The group includes Serena and Venus Williams, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic. He remained active into his 80s, touring the world to drop in on the top tournaments, as well as becoming the fourth tennis coach to be in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Kei Nishikori reached the final of the US Open that year. In his speech at the hall in Newport, Rhode Island, he said that he forged his own path. I am insane. It takes crazy people to do things that other people don't want to do. The Bollettieri Tennis Academy was purchased by IMG in 1987. More than half a dozen sports are offered at the academy, which spans more than 600 acres. "Tennis wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for Nick's influence," said Jimmy Arias, director of tennis at the academy. He had a tennis academy that served as a launching pad for many tennis greats and has had a profound impact on the development of athletes across many sports. Even though he majored in philosophy in college, and even though he went to law school for less than a year, Bollettieri still bragged about never reading a book. Even though he was derided as a hustler and huckster, he was still a self-promoter. Any criticism was not enough for the success of his students. Today, tennis academies dot the globe, thanks to his teaching methods. Nick Bolletieri passed away." Chris Evert said that he was the greatest coach ever and that he had a big heart. 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.He was 91 years old. 💙🤍 🔗: https://t.co/vvFnYHowKc pic.twitter.com/zJYem2SvF6
Our sport lost one of its most passionate coaches & advocates. Nick was always positive & was able to get the best out of everyone fortunate enough to work w/him. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & team at the Academy.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/svkmaNXdBd
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 5, 2022
RIP Nick Bolletieri ; Aside from being the greatest coach ever, you were so kind to me, my parents, and my siblings... that meant more to me than anything, you had a big heart and a zest for living...❤️❤️❤️
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) December 5, 2022
Becker was the first student to reach the top of the food pyramid. Hingis, Rios and Jankovic followed.
The success of less accomplished players was also rewarding.
He said that his passion to help others become champion of life, not just on the tennis court, has sustained him to the summit. When I run into a past student or get a note from them telling me how I changed their lives, I am happy.
His dedication to his players came at a price. He said his travel schedule was one of the reasons he was married eight times.
Nicholas James was born in New York. He graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, with a philosophy degree, and then went to the University of Miami to study law.
According to the Hall of Fame, Bollettieri started teaching tennis for $1 an hour for spending money. His fee was less than a half century later.
He dropped out of law school to become a coach. He admitted that he didn't know much about tennis technique.
He didn't know a lot about teaching the game. I was given the ability to read people.
One of the noted coaches who worked with Serena Williams said that the tennis family had lost an important person.
He said that someone who has made our industry grow has opened opportunities for coaches. We will remember the very special human being that you were.
He was praised for yelling when he thought it was needed. He was a visionary when it came to training young athletes in boot camp.
Students lived in his house when he bought the club. The first-of-its-kind complex was built after he borrowed $1 million from a friend.
There are 55 tennis courts and facilities for seven other sports at the site.
He sold the academy but continued to work there, stressing a tactical approach that transformed tennis. The player was urged to use modern racket technology.
Big hitters were produced by the academy who relied on their serve and forehands. The approach worked for many people.
"In my dreams, I say, 'Nick, you're darn good,'" he said with a smile.
This report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
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