Legendary Aussie tennis star Peter McNamara has died at the age of 64.
The two-time Wimbledon doubles champion and Australian Davis Cup star passed away at his home in Germany following a “long and courageous battle with prostate cancer”, his friend and British commentator David Law claimed in a series of tweets.
McNamara is survived by wife Petra, his children and grandchildren.
“Very sad news received today. Peter McNamara, former Top 10 singles tennis player and multiple Grand Slam doubles champions, has died at the age of 64. As a player he was best known for his doubles partnership with compatriot Paul McNamee,” Law wrote on social media.
He went on to list the tennis great’s biggest achievements, including his two Wimbledon titles with doubles partner Paul McNamee in 1980 and 1982, as well as an Australian Open title in 1979 with the same partner.
McNamara also helped Australia to win the Davis Cup and went on to reach a career-high No.7 in the world in 1983.
Following his own star career, McNamara then coached Mark Philippoussis, as well as Grigor Dimitrov in his formative years and Matt Ebden and Wang Qiang.
“Peter’s wife Petra said he died peacefully at home in Germany on Saturday night after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He continued to play exhibition matches and coach throughout his illness with few people ever knowing of his condition,” Law added.
https://twitter.com/DavidLawTennis/status/1152970127014584323
“Personally, I found Peter to be a fantastic bloke. Always warm, friendly, straightforward, kind and helpful, whoever you were. Terribly sad news. Thoughts are with his wife Petra, and family and friends.”
Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs led a stream of tributes on Twitter, writing: “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.”
Boris Becker added: “R.I.P. Peter McNamara ! One of the good guys in tennis ! My condolences to his family.”
And Aussie star Casey Dellacqua wrote: “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.”
Meanwhile Roger Rasheed wrote: “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.”
According to multiple reports, McNamara continued to coach through his illness and many people weren’t even aware of his health battle.