McNamara reached a career-high world number 7 in singles, winning five titles. As a singles player in Grand Slams, McNamara reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 1980, the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in 1981 and the French Open last eight in 1982.
Peter McNamara. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Former Australian Davis Cup tennis star and Wimbledon doubles champion Peter McNamara has died aged 64, officials said on Monday.
McNamara, a popular figure of Tennis world, reportedly succumbed to prostate cancer.
“We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Peter McNamara, a much-loved and respected member of our tennis family,” Tennis Australia said, adding, “His contribution to the sport as a player, coach and mentor will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
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We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Peter McNamara, a much-loved and respected member of our tennis family. His contribution to the sport as a player, coach and mentor will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 21, 2019
McNamara reached a career-high world number 7 in singles, winning five titles. As a singles player in Grand Slams, McNamara reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 1980, the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in 1981 and the French Open last eight in 1982. But perhaps, the Melbourne-born star is best known for his doubles partnership alongside fellow Australian Paul McNamee.
The duo twice won the Wimbledon, in 1980 and 1982, as well as the 1979 Australian Open.
Mourning over his partner’s demise, McNamee tweeted, “Hard to believe that after 50 years of friendship Macca is gone. You lived life to the full mate and will be missed by your loved ones and many more…a toast to the great times mate.”
Hard to believe that after 50 years of friendship Macca is gone… you lived life to the full mate and will be missed by your loved ones and many more…a toast to the great times mate pic.twitter.com/0RVbCD6ZRd
— Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) July 21, 2019
After his retirement from playing, McNamara moved into coaching, mentoring Mark Philippoussis and Grigor Dimitrov, before working with China’s Wang Qiang.
(With inputs from agencies)
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