'Impossible to believe': Tennis rocked by sudden death of Davis Cup great, 52
The tennis world is mourning the death of Russian tennis great Alexander Volkov. He was 52.
Volkov made it as high as World No.14 throughout his career and helped Russia make the Davis Cup final in 1994 and 1995.
He won three ATP singles titles in an 11-year career from 1988-1998.
Russian Tennis Federation boss Yevgeny Kafelnikov reacted with shock.
“It's impossible to believe!,” Kafelnikov said on Twitter.
"I will always remember your cheerful smile and our matches for the national team in the Davis Cup. Rest in peace, my friend.”
В это невозможно поверить!!!!!!!! Я всегда буду помнить твою жизнерадостную улыбку и наши матчи за сборную команду в Кубке Дэвиса..... ! Покойся с миром мой друг🙏😢. pic.twitter.com/mdIJizHZlF
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) October 19, 2019
Marat Safin leads tributes
Russian grand slam winner Marat Safin, who Volkov coached, told RBC: "The man who did a lot for tennis helped me a lot.”
"Thanks to him, I became the first [World No.1 from Russia] so this is a person who is very close to me in heart, in spirit.
“Unfortunately, this happens in life.”
Volkov made the round of 16 at Wimbledon four times and reached the US Open semi-finals in 1983 where he lost to Pete Sampras.
He beat Pat Rafter and Michael Stich as he led Russia to the 1994 Davis Cup final, where they lost to Sweden.
RIP Alex
— Jonas Bjorkman (@BjorkmanTennis) October 19, 2019
That is such a shock as a big Marat Safin fan I remember Sasha Volkov in the box with a big smile as he watched Marat demolish Sampras in 2000 RIP lots of happy memories
— Denise Morris (@M49Denise) October 19, 2019
We are saddened to hear of the death of Alexander Volkov, Russian tennis star and Davis Cup hero. 🇷🇺🏆
We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/4UzWMdQKbM— Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals (@DavisCupFinals) October 20, 2019
We mourn the loss of our 1992 finalist, Alexander Volkov. https://t.co/9OcnRe8PKk
— ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) October 20, 2019
Very sad. Remember Alexander Volkov well. Only 52. https://t.co/rD6hsDbb1a
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) October 19, 2019