In mid-October, a Facebook submit revealed by considered one of his family, the previous South African participant Johan Kriek (double winner of the Australian Open in 1981 and 1982), revealed that Bob Brett, affected by most cancers, had solely two months to reside. The 67-yr-previous Australian coach died along with his household, we realized final night time.
Renowned coach, he started his teaching profession beneath the management of Harry Hopman in 1974, for whom he labored for 5 years earlier than changing into the mentor of many nice gamers together with Boris Becker (from 1987 to 1991), Goran Ivanisevic (91-95), Mario Ancic, Andreï Medvedev and even Nicolas Kiefer and extra not too long ago Marin Cilic.
Brilliant and of uncommon courtesy, Bob Brett spoke in lots of languages, and specifically in impeccable French, lengthy earlier than giving his title to the primary tennis academy created by Patrick Mouratoglou, in 1996 the Elite Team Bob Brett, based mostly in Montreuil-sous-Bois, within the Paris area.
“I am extremely saddened by the disappearance of Bob Brett, with whom I worked for six years and who taught me so much at the start of my coaching career”, moved the coach of Serena Williams on Twitter.