Robert Lansdorp, Renowned Tennis Coach, Passes Away at 85

Robert Lansdorp, a prominent tennis coach, passed away at the age of 85 in a nursing facility in West Carson, California, due to cardiopulmonary arrest. He was well-known for his unique coaching style that emphasized the development of ground strokes through rigorous repetition. His approach helped shape the careers of several top-ranked players, including Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, Lindsay Davenport, and Maria Sharapova, who all benefited from his intense training methods. Lansdorp began working with young players at an early age, instilling in them the importance of muscle memory through relentless practice. His students often recalled his tough yet nurturing demeanor, which pushed them to reach their full potential. Austin, who started lessons with Lansdorp at just seven years old, described him as someone who thrived on making people better, highlighting the balance he maintained between strictness and support. Throughout his career, Lansdorp's influence extended beyond just technical skills; he fostered a mindset of continuous improvement among his students. After Austin's significant victory over Chris Evert, Lansdorp's comments reflected his belief in the potential for growth, emphasizing that there was always room for improvement. His legacy in the tennis world is marked by the success of his students, who became champions under his guidance. Lansdorp's dedication to the sport and his innovative coaching techniques have left a lasting impact on tennis, inspiring future generations of players and coaches alike.