Irish tennis legend Matt Doyle passes away

Irish tennis legend Matt Doyle has passed away at the age of 70.

Doyle - undoubtedly Ireland's greatest-ever tennis player - reached the last 16 in the 1982 US Open before losing to John McEnroe.

Doyle won the Cologne Grand Prix title in 1983 and was ranked 65 in the world in 1982.

From an Irish tennis point of view, his greatest contribution was to the nation's Davis Cup team.

Together with Sean Sorenson, he brought Ireland to Group 1, before pushing Italy all the way to the final rubber to win in 1982.

That loss in turn lead to the greatest occasion ever in Irish tennis, a relegation match, at home in 1983, against an American team which included John McEnroe, at the RDS in Dublin.

Looking back at that match, and at the contribution Doyle made to Irish tennis, Sorensen said: "Matt was a fantastic, suave, Californian who brought an incredible sense of confidence to Irish Tennis, a can do attitude that was really transformative.

"He was clever, witty, and a great guy to have on the court beside me, because of his huge serve and presence. And in that Davis Cup match, he le] us at the end of Day 1, tied at one all against the United States. Imagine that."

Post playing career, Doyle ventured into coaching. He acted as the Irish national coach for a number of years and was assistant coach to former World No.1 Mats Willander.

Having served as ATP President from 1985 to 1987, he was also a gifted broadcaster, working with RTÉ as both a Tennis and Golf commentator for a number of years.

Tennis Ireland paid tribute to their greatest: "Matt’s legacy leaves an enduring mark, and he will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace."

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