Canadian Tennis Community Mourns Death Of Rene Simpson

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th October 2013

Canadian Tennis Community Mourns Death Of Rene Simpson

epa01225572 The shadow of Justine Henin of Belgium cast on the ground during her match against Francesca Schiavone of Italy at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia on 18 January 2008. Henin won 7-5, 6-4 EPA/MIKE F. ALQUINTO |

The Canadian tennis community is mourning the loss former player, coach and Fed Cup captain, Rene Simpson, who passed away Thursday in Chicago after a year-long battle with brain cancer. She was 47 years old.

Simpson’s passion for Canada’s Fed Cup squad stands atop her career achievements. Not only did she own a 20-16 playing record in the team competition, where she was a regular participant throughout the 1990s, she also served as Canada’s Fed Cup captain from 2001 to 2009. Among her accomplishments is leading the team to a World Group II berth in 2007.

As a pro, Simpson reached a career-high of No. 70 in April 1989 and advanced to the third round of Roland Garros that same year. In doubles, she was ranked as high as No. 32 in the world, won three titles and was a US Open quarterfinalist. Simpson was inducted into the Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame in 2011.

“We are extremely saddened and carry a heavy heart by the news of Rene’s passing,” said Hatem McDadi, vice-president, tennis development, Tennis Canada. “We have lost a very dear friend and member of our tennis family. Rene will be remembered for her courage, patriotic spirit, warmth and loyalty to friends and family. She has been an inspiration and a role model to friends, family and our current generation of female tennis players.”

Tennis Canada will honor Simpson during the upcoming Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II first-round tie between Canada and visiting nation Serbia to be held February 8-9, 2014.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Bnp Paribas, Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame, Fed Cup, Rene Simpson, Roland Garros, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open