Kitzbühel – Successful Austrian tennis coach Ronald Leitgeb has died at the age of 62.
The former coach of French Open winner Thomas Muster died unexpectedly at his home in Kitzbühel, his family said in a statement. Leitgeb managed and coached Muster during the 1980s and 90s. During their collaboration, Muster rose to become the first and so far only world number one from Austria in 1996.
“The shock is too deep to put into words,” the 54-year-old Muster wrote in a statement. “Dear Ronnie, with respect and humility I thank you for having been part of your life and for sharing all these great moments with you.”
Leitgeb also coached Italy’s Andrea Gaudenzi, who is now chairman of the ATP men’s professional organisation. In addition, the Austrian managed professionals Jürgen Melzer and Nikolai Davydenko, among others. From 2012 to 2015, Leitgeb was the President of the Austrian Tennis Federation.
