The International Tennis Writers’ Association is incredibly sad to learn of the passing of its co-president, Howard Fendrich, who died in the early hours of Thursday after a short illness.

An esteemed tennis writer for the Associated Press since 2002 and a long-time ITWA member, Howard was one of the best-known journalists on the circuit, an ever-present on the Tour.

Always respectful but never afraid to ask tough questions, Howard set standards with his meticulous journalism, while his work ethic and drive were unmatched.  

His impact on the sport was clear to see in the tributes from many players, led by Roger Federer, who told AP: “He was one of those constant and reassuring presences in the tennis world for many years. He started covering tennis in 2002, right around the time I was starting to have my breakthrough in the sport and over time he truly became part of the fabric of tennis. Tennis lost a wonderful journalist and a great person.”

Rafael Nadal echoed Federer’s words, saying: “Tennis loses one of its great journalists. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Howard also covered numerous Olympic Games, most recently in Italy in February of this year.

In addition to his writing work, Howard served on the ITWA Board and for the past three years, was co-president, working hard to improve working conditions for all journalists, both inside and outside of ITWA.

Howard was a good friend to many in tennis, both inside ITWA and beyond, and a great co-president.

ITWA sends its condolences and best wishes to his wife, Rosanna, and his two sons, Stefano and Jordan.