Coach Kristijan Schneider who worked with players on both the ATP and WTA Tour’s has passed away following a battle with cancer.
News of Schneider’s death was announced in a statement and comes less than a year after a fundraiser was set up to help support his treatment. He was known best for his work with Borna Coric and it was during that time when he was diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2019. On that occasion he didn’t require any chemotherapy and returned to the court after roughly six months. Unfortunately, two years later he was diagnosed with stomach cancer which required treatment after returning from the Australian Open where he coached Olga Danilovic.
Known as ‘Kiki’ Schneider also worked alongside Ana Konjuh and just earlier this year supported rising junior star Petra Marcinko during her run to the Australian Open girls’ title. After Marcinko’s win, he spoke bravely about his battle with the disease and his struggles when he returned home from Melbourne.
Throughout his battle with cancer, he received support from others on the Tour. During last September’s Indian Wells Masters Daniil Medvedev’s coach, Gilles Cervara, wore a shirt with the logo “Kiki, coz I care.” Meanwhile, Italian player Thomas Fabbiano donated $1 for every minute he played during the Miami Masters tournament.
“Kristijan Schneider has died after a serious illness. One of our most famous coaches, the favourite Kiki everywhere, lost the hardest battle against a vicious disease,” The Croatian Tennis Federation said in a statement.
“He was the coach of many tennis stars, such as Borna Ćorić and Ana Konjuh. He recently participated (supported) junior Australian Open winner Petra Marčinko, and also worked with Bernard Pero, Olga Danilović…’
“Unfortunately, Kiki’s life ended prematurely, at the age of 41. Kiki, thank you for everything you gave to tennis and was what you are. We express our deepest condolences to the family in this way.”
Following the news of Schneider’s death Coric posted his own tribute on social media along with the caption ‘Rest in peace my friend and my coach. I was blessed to have you in my life.’
World No.66 Konjuh wrote on Instagram ‘I’m lost for words. Until we meet again, save me a hug up there (heaven). Rest in peace Kiki.” Commenting on the post, Frances Tiafoe wrote ‘had nothing but love and respect for you Kiki. Thankful for our friendship.’
Schneider had four children.
