Former Australian Davis Cup tennis star Peter McNamara has died after a long battle with cancer.
The 64-year-old lost his battle with prostate cancer on Saturday, and died peacefully in his home in Germany.
According to family friend and commentator David Law, McNamara continued to play exhibition matches and coach throughout his illness with few people ever knowing of his battle.
Former Australian Davis Cup tennis star Peter McNamara has died after a long battle with cancer
Australian tennis players Peter McNamara (left) and Paul McNamee hold up their trophies after winning the Men’s Doubles competition at Wimbledon Tennis Championships, London, July 1980
McNamara, who reached a career-high No.7 in the world in 1983, beat all-time greats Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl to win two of his five singles titles.
But he is perhaps best remembered for his successful doubles partnership with Paul McNamee, the duo twice winning Wimbledon, in 1980 and 1982 as well as the 1979 Australian Open.
Melbourne-born McNamara also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open singles in 1980, the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in 1981 and the French Open last eight in 1982.
After retiring in 1987, McNamara enjoyed a successful coaching career.
Tennis identities from across the globe have been left shattered by his death and tributes for the star have been pouring in.
Tributes for the star have been flowing since news of his death has spread, leaving those ion the tennis world reeling
Wang Qiang of China is comforted by her coach Peter McNamara (R) during her singles semi-final match against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia on Day 8 of 2018 WTA Wuhan Open tennis tournament at Optics Valley International Tennis Centre on September 28, 2018
Darren Cahill posted a heartfelt message on Twitter for the ‘great player’.
‘So saddened to wake up to the news of Peter McNamara’s passing overnight. A great player, great coach that improved every player he worked with, and gun of a person. Big hugs to his family, friends and of course, his great mate,’ he wrote.
Former doubles partner Paul McNamee shared his condolences along with a picture of the pair on the court after a match from when they were younger.
‘Hard to believe that after 50 years of friendship Macca is gone… you lived life to the full mate and will be missed by your loved ones and many more…a toast to the great times mate,’ he wrote.
Casey Dellacqua said she was saddened to hear of Mr McNamara’s passing.
‘So sad to wake up & hear the news of Peter McNamara’s passing, he was always one of the coaches I could sit down with on tour & be able to have a great chat with.
McNamara worked with Wang Qiang until February, helping her reach the world’s top 20 during their four-year union
McNamara, who reached a career-high No.7 in the world in 1983, beat all-time greats Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl to win two of his five singles titles
‘Mostly about life & our kids. I will never forgot him telling me to live my life & be happy with who I am.’
He coached Mark Philippoussis, guided Grigor Dimitrov in his formative years and more recently Matt Ebden and Wang Qiang.
McNamara worked with Wang Qiang until February, helping her reach the world’s top 20 during their four-year union.
He is survived by wife Petra, his children and grandchildren.
McNamara and double’s partner Paul McNamee won Wimbledon in 1980 and 1982. The pair also won the Australian Open in 1979