Tennis world mourns the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

The 41-year-old was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday.

Published Jan 26, 2020

On Sunday morning, NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., per reports. All nine passengers on board died, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Bryant had four daughters with his wife Vanessa. They welcomed their youngest daughter in June of 2019.

Since retiring in 2016, Bryant turned his attention to the writing and film world, winning an Oscar for best short animated film with Dear Basketball. An avid tennis fan, Bryant attended the 2019 US Open, where he watched the likes of Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, as well as promoted his latest book, a tennis fantasy called Legacy and the Queen.

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A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant)

Bryant spoke with Tennis Channel's Jon Wertheim about the book, and his love of the sport, last August:

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The level of tennis being played by @rogerfederer and @RafaelNadal at #Wimblendon right now 🤯
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 12, 2019

It was an honor introducing #LegacyandtheQueen to tennis legend Li Na! Loved talking about how tennis can inspire the next generation and the life lessons within the game. 🎾💪🏾#GranityStudios pic.twitter.com/gpSRlrkX6m
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 16, 2019

Bryant spent 20 years in the NBA playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. The tennis community is mourning the loss of one of the world's greatest athletes.

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I can’t. pic.twitter.com/Vc3dJZztYS
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 27, 2020

Terribly sad to wake up to this news today. RIP Kobe Bryant. Too young. Deepest condolences to family and friends of the sporting legend.
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 26, 2020

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

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Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @kobebryant, as well as to the entire Lakers family. This is a horrible tragedy. Kobe was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. May he Rest In Peace.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 26, 2020

Kobe - you were a true inspiration to me as an athlete. I always admired your professionalism, drive and dedication. Our thoughts are with your loved ones. RIP. 💔 pic.twitter.com/q9HLczKKo8
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) January 26, 2020

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

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It doesn’t seem real & altho I didn’t know Kobe Bryant well, I feel very lucky I got a chance to meet him at last year’s US Open. An icon beyond the game of basketball and sport, he was so deeply talented and driven. Thoughts & prayers to his fam, including wife & 4 daughters. pic.twitter.com/hgBFnnybbk
— Prim Siripipat (@prim_siripipat) January 26, 2020

Life is so precious man. I was a huge fan. RIP Mamba
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 26, 2020

Please tell me this is not true!!
— Mark Knowles (@knowlzee10s) January 26, 2020

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Please no way
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) January 26, 2020

Aquellos que admiramos, jamás serán olvidados.

Descansa en paz, Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/enSg07alHR
— Abierto Mexicano (@AbiertoTelcel) January 26, 2020

This one is just so hard to wrap your head around. So damn sad. Just feels wrong. https://t.co/HoQm6e7UxO
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) January 26, 2020

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I truly can’t believe this. My heart is so heavy. Rest In Peace Kobe. What an unimaginable loss. All of my prayers to your loved ones. ♥️🙏🏾😭
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) January 26, 2020

❤️ 🙏🏼 Kobe Bryant 🙏🏼 ❤️
— Carla Suárez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) January 26, 2020

I am so saddened by this news feel so sorry for his wife and 4 daughters
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) January 26, 2020

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This is such a tragedy. So devastating. This can’t be real life... RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/fLYbAbXUYg
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) January 26, 2020

Vive la vida al máximo.
Live life to the fullest.

RIP #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/BV7zuevsaz
— Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) January 26, 2020

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💔💔💔 https://t.co/zKE6o2sP0n
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) January 27, 2020

Last conversation I had with @kobebryant was about how excited he was to be doing tech investing and about the legacy he wanted to build off the court. He still believed he had work to do. Wish I'd had more time to work with him. What a tragedy. Hugging my daughter extra today. pic.twitter.com/bYwSVlqaMj
— §AlexisOhanian 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) January 27, 2020

Absolutely horrible news this morning
One of the greatest athlete of all time is gone, his daughter Gianna and the other passengers 💔💔 My deepest condolences go to all the families affected#RIPKobe #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/hBGgcbuqaY
— MARION BARTOLI (@bartoli_marion) January 27, 2020

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Kobe Bryant was more than an athlete. His passion and legacy will live behind the lines of any court.

Our hearts go out to the Bryant family during this time. May we all carry on the Mamba mentally wherever so we play our game. pic.twitter.com/n9y8yMKGNS
— Citi Open (@CitiOpen) January 27, 2020

😢🙏🏽 #Kobe #Giannna pic.twitter.com/ZctSnnU8Ua
— Katrina Adams 🦋 (@katadams68) January 27, 2020

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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)

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