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

The renowned American Tennis coaching legend, Andy Brandi, passes away at the age of 72. During his tenure as an American college and professional tennis coach, he managed to shape the lives of many players. When he resigned from the Gators as a coach, the stats showcased that he had the highest winning percentage (.915) in NCAA tennis history. He battled cancer for quite a while and eventually took retirement from coaching in 2022.

Before his retirement, he served as the head coach of the LSU Men’s Tennis team from 2017 to 2022. Andy Brandi retired as a legend in the tennis world, having turned the Florida Women’s Tennis Team into a national powerhouse. With his demise, the tennis world has now joined hands to pay their condolences to the legendary coach.

RIP Andy Brandi

Several former players and tennis coaches recently reacted to this shocking news that came out a few hours earlier from the tennis world. American former tennis player Tracy Almeda-Singian tweeted, “Forever a coaching legend. RIP Andi Brandi.” The long-time head tennis coach at the University of Georgia, Manuel Diaz, also penned a long note for his counterpart.

“Shocked and Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Andi Brandi. We grew up playing together as juniors in PR and later coaching brothers as he turned The Univ of Florida into a powerhouse. Funny. An incredible coach and mentor. I will miss you Andi!”, wrote Manuel Diaz on X(formerly Twitter). Several other reactions came out after this sad breakout a few moments earlier. Let’s find out some more of them.

America’s Best selling author writes a heartfelt note on the demise of tennis coaching legend

Allistair McCaw paid his condolences towards Andy Brandi and recalled his fond memories with the legendary tennis coach through a touching note on X(formerly Twitter). He wrote, “I’m in shock to hear of the passing of Andy Brandi. You were never afraid to tell me (and others) what they needed to hear, not just wanted to hear. I will always cherish our chats, laughs and time together. You left a massive impact on me- Thank you, Andy.“

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Tennis journalist Colette Lewis, who has covered top-flight US and international junior events as a freelance journalist for over a decade, reacted to the shocking demise of Brandi. She wrote, “Rest in peace to one of the greatest development coaches ever. I learned so much about junior tennis from him while he was a USTA National Coach. One of my all-time favorite Q and As was with him at Junior Orange Bowl 12s, on evaluating talent for USTA.”

Andy Brandi notably coached Kathy Rinaldi and Carling Bassett when they were rising talents. He also worked as the executive director of IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Andy Brandi was best known for coaching the Lady Gators tennis team to three NCAA national tournament championships during the 1990s. 

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