There is some sad news from the USA. On Thursday, Steve Johnson’s father, whose name was Steve Senior, passed away in his sleep at the age of 58. Steve Senior had been a prominent person in South Carolina College tennis and previously coached his 27-year-old son. Steve Senior had been planning to accompany his son during this year’s grass court season.
In his recent biography, the player declared that his father had taught him everything he knows about this sport.
“He taught me pretty much everything I know,” Johnson once told the OCR. “Since I can remember, it’s always been me and him out there hitting balls, having a blast. It’s really been amazing. I wouldn’t change anything.”
On the Facebook page of Steve Senior was a message in which his 27 years old son, his wife Michelle and his daughter Alison thanked everybody who for their messages of support following his death.
Johnson, like many of the top Americans, skipped the Madrid Masters, an event that saw only Jack Sock and Ryan Harrison earn direct entry with Ernesto Escobedo and Jared Donaldson joining them from qualifying. The likes of Donald Young, John Isner, and Sam Querrey have joined the others for this week’s Masters. Steve had been expected to join them before his father’s death.
Steve Johnson Jr has had a stellar career with an outstanding run in college tennis. Since joining the pro ranks he has won two ATP titles including this year’s Houston title. He’d also won the title in Nottingham last year. Johnson also won an Olympic Bronze medal, partnering with Jack Sock at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
