The sports world lost a great competitor and the NBA lost one of its greatest players on Sunday when Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash. The accident claimed the lives of eight other people, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter.
Tributes from around the world flooded social media in memory of Bryant. Many members of the WTT Family shared their thoughts, memories and reactions to the life and legacy of the Lakers legend and tennis fan.
Bob and Mike Bryan, Vegas Rollers
Nick Kyrgios, Washington Kastles
Paying tribute to the late great Kobe Bryant ❤️@NickKyrgios | #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/XGOjf2WSXO
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020
Billie Jean King
World TeamTennis
Frances Tiafoe, Washington Kastles
Coach Red Foo, Vegas Rollers
Kirsten Flipkens, New York Empire
Washington Kastles
Genie Bouchard, San Diego Aviators
This is such a tragedy. So devastating. This can’t be real life… RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/fLYbAbXUYg
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) January 26, 2020
Victoria Azarenka, Orange County Breakers
🙏🏻 💔 pic.twitter.com/0lAYbR7TYU
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 26, 2020
Maria Sharapova, Orange County Breakers
Kobe and Gigi💔 This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family. pic.twitter.com/rnGI8o1p5L
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) January 26, 2020
Carlos Silva, WTT CEO & President
I saw him play in Beijing, I feel lucky. May he RIP and to all in this tragic accident. God bless all of them. @WorldTeamTennis @kobebryant @Lakers
— Carlos Silva (@carlossilva) January 27, 2020
Feliciano Lopez, Orlando Storm/Philadelphia Freedoms
Uno de mis https://t.co/HXD2p0gVeU vida..#RIPMAMBA #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/LU8oIlqOxZ
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) January 26, 2020
Katrina Adams, WTT Broadcaster
I’m heartbroken to hear this. Celebrating his successful career with @KingJames #recordbreaking night it’s hard to swallow #RIP #Kobe My heart goes out to his family and friends🙏🏽 https://t.co/7oW3KRhC1T
— Katrina Adams 🦋 (@katadams68) January 26, 2020
Mardy Fish, New York Empire
Life is so precious man. I was a huge fan. RIP Mamba
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 26, 2020
To the others onboard that died as well…. We are praying for y’all too #RIP
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 26, 2020
Sloane Stephens, New York Empire
I’m still in shock over everything that happened yesterday. It feels like a nightmare that we all want to be woken up from. Kobe was a legend on and off the court. He changed the sports world. But he was bigger than basketball. He was an amazing father and person..
— Sloane Stephens (@SloaneStephens) January 27, 2020
Noah Rubin, Orange County Breakers
This is something else. https://t.co/xp6R8XgxMl
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) January 27, 2020
Nicole Gibbs, Orange County Breakers
More dads like this one. 💔 https://t.co/UX4VyK32iV
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) January 27, 2020
Ryan Harrison, San Diego Aviators
Kobe Bryant was everything an athlete dreams of becoming. He was a legend, and he will forever be an inspiration. RIP Kobe
— Ryan Harrison (@ryanharrison92) January 26, 2020