Former World Number Seven, Peter McNamara Passes Away at 64

Published 07/22/2019, 6:07 AM EDT

Former World Number seven tennis player, Peter McNamara battled with prostate cancer, and he passed away peacefully in Germany on July 21, 2019. The Australian tennis player was 64 years old. He was an inspirational coach and a dedicated professional.

Peter McNamara was the coach for the Chinese tennis player, Wang Qiang. She is presently ranked 14th on the WTA list. “I’m like a grandfather to her. She can’t get rid of me, and the thing is I wouldn’t go to anyone else,” McNamara once mentioned about Qiang. Also, Peter McNamara has coached Mark Philippoussis and Grigor Dimitrov, and Matthew Ebden.

On the singles tour, Peter McNamara reached the semifinals of his home-country Slam, Australian Open in 1980 and 1982. He reached the quarters at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros in 1981 and 1982 respectively. Besides that, he has won five ATP singles titles.

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“Peter was a hero of mine,” Pat Cash, McNamara’s compatriot said. “In fact, I ball boy-ed for him in a state final in Melbourne when I was a kid. He was someone I looked up to as he was the top Australian at the time. We were so proud that a fellow Melbournian had to crack the Top 10 in 1981.”

His doubles tandem with Paul McNamee resulted to be best doubles teams of the early 1980s. They won the Australian Open 1979 and Wimbledon in 1980 and 1982. And together they have won 14 titles on the ATP Tour.

McNamara’s highest ranking in doubles was World Number three and he has collected 19 titles on the doubles circuit. After their service to the ATP Tour, McNamee became the CEO of the Australian Open and McNamara indulged himself in coaching endeavours.

“The family is incredibly proud of Peter’s achievements, but most of all the strength and determination he showed in his battle with cancer,” Peter Fleming said. “For more than 10 years he kept it discreet and never allowed it to stop him from doing what he loved to play tennis. Macca was one of the most talented players of our era and a fierce competitor. More importantly, he had a heart of gold, a great friend to a lot of people.”

Great player. Great coach. Great role model 🇦🇺
Vale Peter McNamara. #RIPMacca #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/s9SfMkVgEE
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 22, 2019

We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Peter McNamara, a much-loved and respected member of our tennis family. His contribution to the sport as a player, coach and mentor will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 21, 2019

The All England Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter McNamara, who won two gentlemen's doubles titles at The Championships.
The thoughts of all those at Wimbledon are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/izXnVvPaAQ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 22, 2019

So saddened to wake up to the news of Peter McNamara’s passing overnight. A great player, great coach that improved every player he worked with, and gun of a person. Big hugs to his family, friends and of course, his great mate @PaulFMcNamee #RIPMacca 😔 pic.twitter.com/CeFBai2jYI
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) July 21, 2019

Paying tribute to Peter McNamara. #RIPMacca https://t.co/4pyTXgasqM
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 22, 2019

Grew up watching Peter McNamara win @DavisCup for Australia, when he played with @PaulFMcNamee the Super Macs winning @Wimbledon had a huge influence on the Woodies trying to follow in their footsteps. From player to coach Macca inspired and motivated. #rip
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) July 21, 2019

Australian tennis great Peter McNamara dies from cancer, aged 64https://t.co/n0e0Vi4EZn
— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) July 22, 2019

R.I.P. Peter McNamara ! One of the good guys in tennis !
My condolences to his family
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 21, 2019

He's best remembered as one half of the doubles duo the Super Macs: Peter McNamara, once Australia's top ranked tennis player, has died at the age of 64. Along with Paul McNamee, he won three Grand Slam titles, and the adoration of so many Aussie tennis fans. @JimWilsonTV #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/nPxVVhinO2
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) July 22, 2019

Vale Peter McNamara. #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/HX36RKRO6n
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 22, 2019

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Peter McNamara (1955-2019). RIP, champion. pic.twitter.com/mK1UvAH5ED
— Tennis Magazine (@TennisMagazine1) July 21, 2019

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Very sad news received today.
Peter McNamara, former Top 10 singles tennis player and multiple Grand Slam doubles champions, has died at the age of 64.
As a player he was best known for his doubles partnership with compatriot Paul McNamee.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) July 21, 2019

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Mahalakshmi Murali joined EssentiallySports in 2018 as a tennis author and has gone on to pen more than 1800 engaging articles, probing into various aspects of the sport and its illustrious players. With her expertise on the sport, Mahalakshmi has interviewed stalwarts from the sport such as Serena WIlliams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou and Kevin Anderson’s physio, Carlos Costa. Equipped with her vast experience and a keen understanding of the sport, Mahalakshmi now co-heads the tennis department.