R.I.P: Pete Sampras and Maria Sharapova’s former coach die at 85

The tennis community is in mourning for legendary instructor Robert Lansdorp.

who passed away at the age of 85. Some of the greats of our favorite game of tennis, such as Pete Sampras,

The 14-time Grand Slam champion Sampras mentioned him in an interview a while back and added,

“Robert has been a big part of my success.” You are aware that he will strengthen you, toughen you up,

and toughen you up mentally.”

In a section of her book, Sharapova also discussed her previous coach

and the abuse he inflicted on her during practices, saying, “There was a purpose to all that torture.

“Everything was carried out to further a particular philosophy.

Every exercise had a purpose and led the player in a certain direction.

In a 2013 interview, Davenport stated: “We were extremely close. He treated me rather nicely.

To me, he resembled a second parent.”

Originally from what was then known as the Dutch East Indies,

Lansdorp settled in California but was born in Indonesia. At the age of sixteen, Tracy Austin,

One of his players won the US Open women’s singles championship in 1979, making history.

Robert later followed Julia Boserup and Eugenie Bouchard in addition to Sampras, Davenport, and Sharapova.

In addition to being recognized as a Team USA coaching legend alongside Nick Bollettieri,

Jerry Baskin and Jack Sharpe at the 2013 Team USA coaching legend inaugural reception in Indian Wells,

California, Lansdorp was also awarded the USTA lifetime achievement award in 2005.

In 2004, Lansdorp remarked something that stands out as one of the most remarkable events of his career:

“I’ve never received anything from a player.” Not even a gift of $500. Even though they are all multimillionaires,

I’ve never gotten anything. And I swear to myself that I will shoot myself if Maria doesn’t place a Mercedes

convertible in my driveway.”