‘RIP’ – Coco Gauff’s Mentor, Andy Murray and Chris Eubanks Mourn Over Tennis Officiating Legend’s Saddening Death

Some saddening news is coming out from the tennis world as they mourn the death of one of their beloved officials. Tom Barnes passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 82. Several tennis stars like Andy Murray, and Coco Gauff‘s mentor, Chris Eubanks have joined the tennis community to express their condolence to his family.

Barnes is survived by his wife Debbie, son, and two grandchildren whom he loved very much. His contributions to the tennis world are enormous, and he has spent almost his entire life improving the sport. His absence will be deeply felt for generations to come.

RIP ‘Baaaaarnes’

Tom Barnes worked until his last breath. He loved mentoring the junior officials and helping them shape their careers. Barnes was involved in the racket sport, officiating for more than three decades, and served as a referee at many tournaments around the world. His first tournament as an ATP Supervisor was in an ATP Challenger Tour event in Guam in 1990. He served as a supervisor until the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals and after that, he continued to mentor officials. He was a hugely respected figure among the tennis fraternity.

Andy Murray wrote, “Such sad news. He was such a solid guy. Extremely fair in how he dealt with any issues that came up on court and he’d let you know if you were being a prat! Genuinely cared about all the players and officials on tour. ” While Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert tweeted, “Remembering Tom Barnes, tennis officiating legend | ATP Tour | Tennis.“

Paul Annacone, the former coach of Roger Federer also stepped in mourn the death of this tennis officiating legend. He wrote, “Heartbreaking, what you see is what you get Tom Barnes was a man of integrity & honesty and with a heart of gold – thank you TB.“

READ MORE: ‘RIP’ – Tennis World Mourns to the Heartbreaking Demise of 72YO Hall of Famer American ‘Coaching Legend’

Tom Barnes received his international certificate as a referee in 1983 and 8 years later he went on to serve at the US Open as a referee. In 1994, he became a full-time supervisor at the ATP Tour. His most recent role at the ATP was as a Director of Officiating Development. Off the court, he also proudly served as a member of the US Marine Corps in Vietnam and had been involved with a cabinet manufacturing company in the past. Let’s find out some more reactions from the tennis world.

The tennis world steps in to pay their condolences on the demise of ‘an institution in tennis’

American tennis star, Chris Eubanks tweeted, “A true legend. RIP TB.” John Isner wrote, “RIP, TB. ATP Tour staple and fantastic guy. Will always cherish our time spent together. Semper Fi.“

Tom Barnes has also worked for the North California Tennis Association for almost four years in the 80s. His influence on the sport is massive and no matter what happened on the court, he was respected by all. Andy Roddick wrote, “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend Tom Barnes. We all remember the people who taught us the ropes when first on tour. We didn’t always agree when arguing about whatever dumb thing I had done on the court, but I always trusted his opinion.“

The 41-year-old American tennis star further added, “He’s someone that made me better. I won’t forget him. I know tennis won’t either. RIP Barnes.”

Even the former English tennis star, Mark Petchey recalled their fond memories and stated Barnes as ‘the most humble human being ever.’ Stan Wawrinka was also on the list to express his grief at the demise of the legendary official.