'Absolutely devastated': Aussie tennis rocked by death of beloved great
Australian tennis has been rocked by the death of Peter McNamara at just 64.
The former Australian Davis Cup star has died from cancer.
McNamara, who reached a career-high No.7 in the world in 1983, beat all-time greats Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl to win two of his five singles titles.
But he is perhaps best remembered for his successful doubles partnership with Paul McNamee, the duo twice winning Wimbledon, in 1980 and 1982 as well as the 1979 Australian Open.
Melbourne-born McNamara also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open singles in 1980, the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in 1981 and the French Open last eight in 1982.
After retiring in 1987, McNamara enjoyed a successful coaching career.
He coached Mark Philippoussis, guided Grigor Dimitrov in his formative years and more recently Matt Ebden and Wang Qiang.
McNamara worked with Wang Qiang until February, helping her reach the world's top 20 during their four-year union.
McNamara died peacefully at his home in Germany on Saturday night after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.
According to family friend and commentator David Law, McNamara continued to play exhibition matches and coach throughout his illness with few people ever knowing of his battle.
He is survived by wife Petra, his children and grandchildren.
The tennis community reacted with shock and sadness.
Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Peter McNamara passing. Peter was an amazing player, friend, compatriot, gentleman, coach & on and on. I CANNOT believe in all the time i saw him on tour i never knew he was this sick. He made every player better he coached. RIP Pete😢
— Rennae Stubbs (@rennaestubbs) July 21, 2019
RIP Peter MCNamara https://t.co/Y2HHGyOm1c
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 21, 2019
So saddened to wake up to the news of Peter McNamara’s passing overnight. A great player, great coach that improved every player he worked with, and gun of a person. Big hugs to his family, friends and of course, his great mate @PaulFMcNamee #RIPMacca 😔 pic.twitter.com/CeFBai2jYI
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) July 21, 2019
So sad to wake up & hear the news of Peter McNamara’s passing 😢 he was always one of the coaches I could sit down with on tour & be able to have a great chat with. Mostly about life & our kids. I will never forgot him telling me to live my life & be happy with who I am #RIPMacca
— Casey Dellacqua OLY (@caseydellacqua) July 21, 2019
Peter McNamara was one of the greats, a great person. He gave his all to everything he did, respected life & always had a smile & time for you. He’s someone you wanted to be in the trenches with. He fought in silence and now he can rest peacefully . #RIPMacca
— roger rasheed (@roger_rasheed) July 21, 2019
Such sad news to hear of the passing of Peter McNamara. He was always so funny, friendly and best of all, kind. One of my favourite people I’ve met on tour and will be very much missed by many people. My thoughts are with Petra and the rest of his family.
— Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) July 21, 2019
The passing of Peter McNamara is such sad news. With love to Petra and friends and relatives.
Shared the court so many times with him in competition and just for fun.
Peter always appreciated how the game had changed his life.
I already miss the twinkle in his eye.— Andrew Castle (@AndrewCastle63) July 21, 2019
R.I.P. Peter McNamara ! One of the good guys in tennis !
My condolences to his family— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 21, 2019
#RIP Peter McNamara,
still shocked 😰 What a great person... You will be missed...— Jule Goerges✌️🇩🇪 (@juliagoerges) July 21, 2019