Tim Henman is visibly emotional as he leads tributes to legendary Mail Sport tennis correspondent Mike Dickson, with Rafael Nadal and Coco Gauff among stars mourning the loss of ‘Mr Wimbledon’ after he died aged 59

Tim Henman and Rafael Nadal led the tributes from across the sporting world to Mail Sport’s legendary correspondent Mike Dickson after he tragically passed away. 

Dickson was a hugely respected and admired journalist who spent 38 years in the industry – 33 at the Mail having started in 1990 – and his loss will be felt deeply by colleagues.

He previously worked as the Mail’s cricket correspondent before moving over to tennis and covered 30 different sports across nearly 50 countries in total during a rich career.

Dickson was in Melbourne covering the Australian Open when he died and a matter of days away from his 60th birthday, on January 27, with the news being announced by his family at around 11:30PM local time.

And, following the devastating news, several huge names in tennis and across the sporting landscape paid tribute to Dickson.

Henman, who was visibly upset on Eurosport when paying tribute to Dickson, with his voice cracking, said: ‘It’s incredibly sad that he passed away in Melbourne. He was a great friend of the tennis community and our thoughts go out to his family.’

Eurosport presenter Rachel Stringer added: ‘Our thoughts very much go out to Mike Dickson’s friends and family and the entire tennis community who know him for the great work he has done for the British tennis community in the past.’

Nadal meanwhile tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear about the passing of Mike who has been following tennis all these years. My thoughts to his family and to our tennis family for the loss. Rest in peace.’

Dickson’s esteemed work covering Wimbledon over the years saw him dubbed ‘Mr Wimbledon, and the tournament’s official X account said: ‘All of us at Wimbledon are deeply saddened to hear this news. Mike covered so many of our Championships during his remarkable career in journalism and brought so many stories to so many sports fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’

Meanwhile, the Australian Open posted: ‘We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mike, our long-standing colleague and friend. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.’ 

Former British tennis star and now pundit Laura Robson said: ‘Truly devastating news. Can’t believe it. All my thoughts with Mike’s family.’ 

Judy Murray, mother of Andy, also paid her respects in response to Mail Sport’s Jonathan McEvoy’s emotional tribute to Dickson.

She tweeted: ‘The saddest news to wake up to this morning in Melbourne. Bravo Jonathan McEvoy for this wonderful tribute to Mike Dickson, the doyen of the British tennis press pack.’

World No 4 Coco Gauff tweeted: ‘I am so sorry to hear this news. Sending my deepest condolences and may he rest in peace.’ 

Current British tennis player Liam Broady also paid tribute, as he shared: ‘Don’t know what to say. A strong, good and fair man. Cared about me when I was at my lowest ebb. Rest well Mike.’

Former player Jamie Delgado added: ‘RIP Mike. Awful awful news and shocked. The tennis world will be devastated and we will miss you. A legend of tennis journalism. RIP.’

Anne Keothavong, who was British No 1 during her playing career, similarly said: ‘Truly awful news. Thoughts are with his family during this devastating time.’

Former Croatian tennis star Ivan Ljubicic added: ‘No way…. so sad… can’t believe it.’

Tributes were also paid to Dickson from across the sporting world and by fellow journalists. 

Piers Morgan shared a message as he said: ‘So sorry to hear this. Mike was a terrific journalist. RIP.’

The Sports Journalists’ Association also paid a heartfelt tribute to Dickson as they added: ‘The SJA sends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mike Dickson. He was much loved and respected in the industry, spending 33 years with @MailSport, including spells as cricket correspondent and then tennis. Mike will be greatly missed.’

Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added: ‘This is such shocking news. I am so sorry for your loss and send you and Mike’s colleagues my love and prayers x.’

Elsewhere, Mail Sport columnist and cricket pundit David Lloyd added: ‘Awful news ! Just a wonderful man … so sad.’ 

Eurosport also shared a moving tribute as they said: ‘This morning we learned of the extremely sad news that prominent British tennis journalist Mike Dickson passed away in Melbourne while covering the Australian Open. 

‘Mike, affectionately known as Mr Wimbledon, was a hugely respected and admired journalist who spent 38 years in the industry and his loss will be felt deeply by the entire tennis community.

‘Our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.’ 

The Times’ tennis correspondent Stuart Fraser also said: ‘An extremely sad day in Melbourne. Those of us here are in complete shock. Mike was a tremendous colleague and friend on the road. The tennis press room will never quite be the same again.’

Renowned journalist and presenter Mark Pougatch shared: ‘So desperately sorry to hear this. Such fond memories of working with him on Ashes tours down under and our boys messing about with a cricket bat together. Always a pleasure to see him at a sporting event thereafter. Condolences and love to you all.’ 

Everton – who Dickson followed along with Tranmere Rovers – shared further heartfelt words as the club posted: ‘Such sad news. Everyone at Everton send our condolences to Mike’s family. He was a great man who achieved a lot in his career. RIP Mike.’

Tranmere added: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Tranmere Rovers Football Club are with Mike’s wife and family at this extremely sad time. RIP Mike.’