Tennis World Mourns Passing of Pancho Segura, Who Was 96

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:.

Sad day– lost my friend-coach- and mentor- the great Pancho Segura to complications from Parkinson's- passed last night at age 96- RIP 🎾😥
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) November 19, 2017

The world has lost a true tennis #pioneer. Pancho Segura was a champion player & one of the smartest coaches I've ever met. RIP, my friend. pic.twitter.com/lgGdCT7TKT
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 20, 2017

Tennis has produced many an original champion & one of the great ones Pancho Segura has died. He loved to play, coach & watch tennis. RIP PS
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) November 19, 2017

RIP Pancho Segura… fond memories of your humor, your strategic mind, and your two hands on both sides…You were ahead of your time and will be missed…
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) November 20, 2017

Pancho Segura, Tennis Great of the ’40s and ’50s, Dies at 96 https://t.co/AAIE2CQaoj. We have lost an all-time great! Met him at age 5, lessons in my teens. Such great memories, such a great man. RIP Pancho.
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) November 19, 2017