Greece's young tennis star, Stefanos Tsitsipas, wrote a moving eulogy for his good friend and coach Bernard Frances.
"My goal is to wake up with a smile every day, and think of all the positives that you have brought into my life. It is truly a short but memorable voyage that we have had the opportunity to sail," he posted on social media.
"Nothing is more painful in this world than losing someone you love so dearly. I have always thought this life is so beautiful. But I didn’t know someday it would be this much cruel to me. I wish I could bring you back to life."
Tsitsipas is the youngest player ranked in the top 10 by the Association of Tennis Professionals and has a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the world, making him the highest-ranked Greek player in history.
Tsitsipas' post:
Dear Bernard,
I would like to start this by saying that I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about you, and the great memories that we have formed together over the years of knowing each other. It has been many weeks since your passing and it is very difficult to wrap my head around it.
It makes it tougher to digest every single day. I always remember how much you cared about me, I always felt it when I was next to you. Living life with passion and affection.
Always striving for the very best of things regardless of the situation you were faced with. That’s what made you stand out.
Those unforgettable moments we had in Madrid and Marbella will remain forever engraved in the back of my head. You brought a lot of joy and affinity, not just to me, but the people around me. You are the definition of a great human being Bernard. It can’t be taken away from you. You have earned it over the years. You have proved yourself. You have the respect of all the people that I know.
I loved hearing all of your stories in Brazil and around Europe. They always made me laugh and see the bright side of life.
Tennis was your playground. It was your only child. The ideas that you had to offer to our sport, your creativity and eagerness to learn were redeemed plenty of times during your career as a coach and a friend.
My goal is to wake up with a smile every day, and think of all the positives that you have brought into my life. It is truly a short but memorable voyage that we have had the opportunity to sail.
Nothing is more painful in this world than losing someone you love so dearly. I have always thought this life is so beautiful. But I didn’t know someday it would be this much cruel to me. I wish I could bring you back to life.
Rest in peace!
