Tributes from across the tennis community have been paid to David Mercer, who has died at the age of 70.
He was the first person to both officiate and commentate on a Wimbledon men's singles final.
As an umpire, he was in the chair for the 1984 Wimbledon final meeting of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors.
He would go on to commentate on the Championships for 35 years for the BBC.
Mercer was also a regular voice on Eurosport for tournaments across the globe.
David Mercer had a... let's say unique style. pic.twitter.com/cfDu6MBuYF
— Tennis on telly 🎾📺🇬🇧 (@tennisontelly) August 27, 2020
BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater said of his passing, "We are saddened and shocked by this unexpected news.
"David Mercer has been one of the great voices of British broadcasting with his distinguished career stretching over 40 years, working on the BBC's Wimbledon coverage for 35 of those years as well as umpiring at the highest level.
"He was also a highly valued member of the BBC's Olympic commentary team. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his colleagues, family and friends."
Former British women's no.1 turned commentator, Jo Durie said, "He was always so helpful to me when I started commenting & could turn a few well chosen words into an interesting & fun time watching a match."
Feeling so sad at the news of our colleague & friend David Mercer passing away. He was always so helpful to me when I started commenting & could turn a few well chosen words into an interesting & fun time watching a match. RIP David 😰
— Jo Durie 🇺🇦 (@Jodurie) August 27, 2020
Colleague Simon Reed added, "The news that David Mercer has died has knocked me flat. A superb commentator and a caring colleague.
"The tennis community will certainly miss him."
The news that David Mercer has died has knocked me flat. A superb commentator and a caring colleague. The tennis community will certainly miss him.
— Simon Reed (@SimonReedTV) August 27, 2020
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