Pancho Segura, one of the world’s top amateur players in the 1940s and professionals in the 1950s and considered one of the greatest of all-time, has died at the age of 96.
Segura died Saturday from complications of Parkinson’s disease at his home at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, his son, Spencer Segura of Connecticut, said Sunday.
Born in Ecuador, Segura moved to the U.S. in the 1930s and was a citizen of both countries. He was considered to be one of the two best players in tennis during his prime, and was known for his two-handed forehand, which was well disguised and great for generating angles, and his fast footwork.
In addition to his tennis he was known for his personality and his ability to elevate tennis into entertainment.
After his playing days, Segura was a coach and mentor to eight-time major champion Jimmy Connors.
Connors, along with other tennis greats, mourned his passing on social media on Sunday:.