The tennis world is also mourning the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mandela, one of the most respected statesman in the world, died at the age of 95 on Thursday. Nearly 100 heads of state are expected to attend his funeral this coming Sunday at his ancestral home of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.
A number of ATP and WTA stars gave their thoughts on Mandela’s legacy during the Wimbledon 2013 tournament earlier this year when Mandela’s health had deteriorated.
“Meeting him was probably one of the best moments of my life…. Where he started as a kid, then going from there, making his way really to the top of something completely inconceivable. Having so many people love him and cherish him for who he was, for being black, for being in South Africa at a time where maybe it wasn’t the best moment to be black in South Africa. He’s had a great story. I think everyone of all races and nations and countries and individuals can learn from his stellar life.” – Serena Williams
“He’s been very influential, amazing personality, you know, believed in something, had to pay a big price for it. Someone you can definitely look up to. And that’s, for me, very important people in this world. Clearly there’s many that come and go, but he has been there for a very long time. And he’s very much respected and loved.” – Roger Federer
“For someone with such a big name, who has touched so many people in this world, I think it’s extremely sad to see him [ill]. I think it should be a celebration of what he accomplished in his life than a sadness, even though many people around the world are sad about it…. Never had a chance in my life to meet him. But the people that have met him have said incredibly nice things about him.” – Maria Sharapova
“I mean, the guy spent 27 years in prison for what he believed in. You know, we’re out here and we think we’re doing something important playing a tennis match, and it puts it into perspective when someone has such a belief that they’re willing to go to jail for it. They’re willing to fight for it. Then in the end they change a country and in turn change the world. That’s something that for me I can’t fathom having that kind of effect on the world.” – James Blake
Tennis stars also expressed their thoughts via their official Twitter accounts during Mandela’s death:
Nelson Mandela led one if the most impactful lives of our time. Meeting him helped me to understand life is full of ups and downs……—
Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 06, 2013
But how you recover from the downs and how you can help people no matter what race or background by your choices and decisions…..—
Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 06, 2013
One life – Nelson Mandela’s life changed many. May his legacy live forever. Rev 21:4—
Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 06, 2013
Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, you have been a role model to the world. My most sincere condolences to family and friends.—
Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 05, 2013
Mandela’s courage to forgive & determination for equality changed a nation & inspired millions around the world. Rest in peace #Madiba #tata—
Kevin Anderson (@kevinanderson18) December 06, 2013
When the world gave #NelsonMandela their worst, he showed us all his best. A thousand years from now mankind will still revere him…—
Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) December 05, 2013
Nelson’s spirit will stay for ever! Thank you for everything you have done for humanity.—
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) December 05, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela .—
Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) December 05, 2013
A lifetime of lessons to be taught and learned from a great man. RIP Nelson Mandela—
Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) December 05, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela—
Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) December 05, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela u2.com/news/title/ord…—
Tomáš Berdych (@tomasberdych) December 05, 2013
The world is crying tonight ….—
Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 05, 2013
