Former Davis Cup tennis star Peter McNamara, who has died from cancer, is being hailed as a great Australian.
McNamara’s death, at the age of 64, has been met with widespread tributes from Australia’s tennis fraternity.
McNamara won five singles titles and is perhaps best remembered for his successful doubles partnership with Paul McNamee – the duo twice won Wimbledon, in 1980 and 1982, as well as the 1979 Australian Open.
“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,” McNamee posted on Twitter.
Other Australian greats took to social media platforms to pay tribute to McNamara, who after retiring in 1987 enjoyed a successful coaching career.
“As a young guy growing up in Melbourne you were an inspiration … That backhand was one of the greatest tennis has seen,” Pat Cash posted on Instagram.
“You were always encouraging to me, a great team mate and always up for a laugh. A true no nonsense Aussie right to the end.”
Todd Woodbridge described McNamara on Twitter as an inspiration, as did Darren Cahill.
“A great player, great coach that improved every player he worked with, and gun of a person,” Cahill tweeted.
Boris Becker said McNamara was “one of the good guys in tennis” – a common theme from those reacting to his death.
McNamara died peacefully at his home in Germany on Saturday night after a long battle with prostate cancer.
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.
He is survived by wife Petra, his children and grandchildren.