Tennis South Africa (TSA) has expressed its condolences after the passing of legendary former player, administrator and writer Gordon Forbes, who died aged 86 on Wednesday.
Forbes was among the best tennis players in the world in the 1950s and 60s.
In singles, he competed at all the Grand Slams, going as far as the quarter-finals at the US Championships in 1962 and earning wins over the likes of legendary Australian Rod Laver.
In doubles, Forbes won the mixed title at Roland Garros in 1955 alongside Hall of Famer Darlene Hard. He also reached the French Open men's doubles final in 1963, playing with compatriot Abe Segal.
Forbes was also a prominent member of the South African Davis Cup team, but as Tennis.com reports, his biggest legacy in the sport might well be as a writer.
His 1978 book, A Handful of Summers, was described by many as arguably the best ever book on tennis. He followed this up with two more well received books - Too Soon to Panic and I'll Take the Sunny Side.
Forbes was also a former board member and president of the South African Tennis Union - now Tennis South Africa.
"Tennis South Africa, and the wider tennis community, mourns the loss of Gordon Forbes, who passed away on Wednesday, aged 86.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Forbes family and Gordon’s many friends at this very difficult time," TSA wrote in a statement.
Tennis SA, & the wider tennis community, mourns the loss of Gordon Forbes, who passed away on Wednesday, aged 86. Forbes was a superb tennis player, among the best in the world in the 1950s & '60s. Once he hung up his racquet, he carved out a 2nd career as a best-selling author. pic.twitter.com/t5VzljbEDE
— Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) December 10, 2020
- Compiled by Sport24 staff