Eight-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1, Ashley Cooper passed away at the age of 83, announced Tennis Australia on Friday.

Cooper was a part of the golden era and he clinched four Grand Slam singles titles (2 Australian Open, 1 Wimbledon, and 1 US Open). Moreover, he also won four Grand Slam doubles titles in the amateur era. In 1958, Cooper claimed three of the four Majors.

“Ashley Cooper was a giant” – Tennis Australia

Cooper was widely recognized as the world’s best amateur player in 1957 and 1958. However, a back injury ended his professional career in 1959. Nevertheless, Cooper did not leave the sport and started a business and work as an administrator in tennis. After serving the sport for such a time, Cooper passed away today due to a long illness.

“Ashley was a giant of the game both as a brilliant player and an astute administrator and he will be greatly missed,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said in a statement.

“His contribution to the sport went far beyond his exploits on the tennis court. His rich legacy includes the magnificent Queensland Tennis Centre, a project he was passionate about, nurturing the development from the very beginning, and resulting in the return of world-class international tennis to Brisbane,”  he added.

Tiley also revealed that Ashley was the most humble of champions and a great family man. He expressed his thoughts for his wife Helen and his family, along with his wide and international circle of friends, including so many of our tennis family.

“On a personal note, Ash was instrumental in our family moving to Australia and for that we will be forever grateful. He was a very humble advisor and a great supporter of our transformation of Australian tennis. I will miss him,” he concluded.

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The passing away of Cooper has certainly left a void in the tennis world. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with Ashley’s family.