The British tennis community is in mourning following the death of Paul Hutchins at the age of 73.
Hutchins, who is the father of former top 30 doubles player Ross Hutchins, passed away following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. A condition which affects the motor neurons of the spinal cord and causes progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles. His death was confirmed in a statement released by his family.
The Hutchins family:
“It’s with heartbreaking sadness that we say goodbye to him. Paul passionately dedicated his life to his family and to an incredible career in tennis. It was his wish for us to thank the very many who have been part of it. He will be very dearly missed.”
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) 14 March 2019
Both during and after his playing career, Hutchins became an instrumental figure in British tennis. During the birth of the Open Era in 1968, he achieved his best grand slam results. Reaching the third round at both the Australian Open and US Open. In the doubles that same year, he reached the quarter-finals in Wimbledon alongside compatriot Gerald Battrick.
Following his retirement, Hutchins established himself as one of his country’s most prestigious Davis Cup captains of all time. Overseeing 31 ties between 1975-1987. In 1978 he guided Britain to the final of the team tournament for the first time in the Open Era. An achievement that wasn’t matched until 2015 by Leon Smith and his team.
Besides his Davis Cup captaincy, Hutchins also worked with British Tennis. Previously serving as the head of men’s tennis and tournament director for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). He also held the role of tennis team leader at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2012 Rio Olympics.
In 2016 Hutchins was awarded with an MBE for his services to tennis.
Tributes pour in
Following the announcement of his death, many took to social media to pay their respects. Former world No.5 player Jo Durie described Hutchins as a ‘true gent’ in a post on Twitter. Durie won two grand slam titles in the mixed doubles during her career.
Sad news about Paul Hutchins who was always so involved in British tennis bringing his enthusiasm wherever he went. A true gent & the whole tennis family will miss him. Thoughts to his lovely family at this sad time.
— Jo Durie (@Jodurie) March 14, 2019
World No.50 doubles player Jonny O’Mara said he was grateful for all the advice he had received from Hutchins over the years. Describing him as an ‘incredibly nice man.’ A sentiment also expressed by American player Alison Riske.
Such a shame to hear about Paul Hutchins passing away. Was always there to to give advice and support whenever it was needed. Incredibly nice man. Thoughts go out to his family.
— Jonny O'Mara (@Jonny_OMara) March 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/Riske4rewards/status/1106297865079611392
Marcus Willis, who is best known for reaching the second round at Wimbledon, spoke about the support he received during his junior years. Saying that the death has left him ‘devastated.’
https://twitter.com/Willbomb90/status/1106294111492100096
Besides the players, tributes have also come from numerous media and tennis officials.
https://twitter.com/Mike_Dickson_DM/status/1106290523868942337
The LTA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Hutchins MBE.
Paul made a remarkable contribution to our sport and was a true hero of tennis in Britain. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him. https://t.co/31xBPXjkNo pic.twitter.com/rT31UlDRiY
— LTA (@the_LTA) March 14, 2019
A wonderful man, kind and caring. RIP Paul Hutchins, former player.. then coach, administrator, BBC TV commentator and tournament organiser. Basically, Mr British Tennis. He loved it, and we loved him. https://t.co/rsf5gDyWI4
— Jonathan Overend (@jsoverend) March 14, 2019
Very sad to hear about the death of Paul Hutchins. Genuinely nice man who always had time for everyone. Best wishes to his family. He'll be missed
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) March 14, 2019
I covered my first @DavisCup tie in 1986 when Paul Hutchins was GB captain. We had wonderful times together as reporter/captain; we covered his back sometimes, he looked after ours. The 1st to contact me when I lost my job with The Times to express his regret. Thanks Paul RIP.
— Neil Harman (@Neil_Harman57) March 14, 2019
Terribly sad to learn of the death of Paul Hutchins. As well as all his achievements as a player, coach, captain and administrator, he was simply a lovely, warm and wonderfully positive man. Thoughts very much with Ross and the rest of his family.
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) March 14, 2019
Very sad to hear the passing of Paul Hutchins. An outstanding man on all levels which has been passed right through to his whole family. Battled MND courageously. All my thoughts to his family.
— roger rasheed (@roger_rasheed) March 14, 2019
