Annabel Croft, a former British No. 1 in women’s singles tennis, decided at 21 that playing tennis simply wasn’t her thing. After retiring prematurely, she turned into a television broadcaster and went on to work with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova. Recently, Croft suffered a heartbreaking tragedy. Her husband, Mel Coleman, who was battling cancer, died suddenly. Around two months ago, Coleman started to experience significant stomach pain. His diagnosis revealed stage 3 cancer, and as a result, he quickly started undergoing treatment. However, unfortunately, Coleman couldn’t beat the disease and passed away aged 60.

Following Coleman’s sudden death, Croft issued a statement requesting for privacy. The former British tennis sensation had also revealed how she had met Coleman for the first time.

Annabel Croft and her family left ‘heartbroken’ following Coleman’s tragic death

Shortly after the news of Coleman’s passing was released in a report by the Daily Mail UK, Croft shared a heartfelt message. She said, “My beloved husband Mel passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after a short battle with cancer”. Croft added, “My family and I are completely heartbroken and ask for privacy at this very sad time.”

Croft was one of the most promising British women’s tennis players in the 1980s. Owing to her talent, she made it to Great Britain’s Fed Cup team as well. She was also the World No. 24 in the WTA Tour rankings for some time. However, after she turned 21, she started to lose interest in pro tennis and subsequently called time on her career.

Croft revealed earlier this year that she had met her husband Coleman when she was still playing. At the time, Croft got an opportunity to work on a yacht racing film. Coleman was among the yachtsmen Croft worked with, and the two immediately hit it off. A few years later, they decided to tie the knot.

Read More: ‘I Was Intimidated’- Martina Navratilova on Battling Breast Cancer

Croft’s former colleague Martina Navratilova also battled cancer

Croft and women’s tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, were once tennis colleagues. The Briton even went on to work with Navratilova during her broadcasting career. Navratilova too had to battle her way out of cancer, not once but twice.

Navratilova’s first diagnosis came in 2010. At the time, the former tennis icon received treatment for breast cancer and successfully recovered. However, in 2023, her cancer returned. On this occasion, she received a double whammy as her diagnosis revealed two cancers. Yet again, however, Navratilova overcame the disease and is now cancer free.

Watch This Story: Former Serena Williams Coach Validates Her Skill That Roger Federer Mastered