Tim Henman led the tributes from across the sporting world to legendary Mail Sport correspondent Mike Dickson after his tragic passing.
Dickson was a hugely respected and admired journalist who spent 38 years in the industry – including 33 years at the Mail, having started in 1990 – and his loss will be deeply felt by colleagues.
He previously worked as a cricket correspondent for the Mail before switching to tennis and has covered a total of 30 different sports in almost 50 countries during a distinguished career.
Dickson was in Melbourne covering the Australian Open when he died, days away from his 60th birthday, on January 27, with the news announced by his family at around 11.30pm local time.
And following the devastating news, several big names from the tennis world and the sporting landscape paid tribute to Dickson.
Tim Henman led the tributes from across the sporting world to legendary Mail Sport correspondent Mike Dickson
Dickson, 59, was in Melbourne covering the Australian Open when he tragically passed away
Several tennis stars past and present paid tribute to Dickson following the devastating news
Tim Henman, who was visibly angry with Eurosport as he paid tribute to Dickson, said in a cracking voice: ‘It’s incredibly sad that he passed away in Melbourne. He was a great friend to the tennis community and our thoughts go out to his family.”
Eurosport presenter Rachel Stringer added: ‘Our thoughts go out very much to the friends and family of Mike Dickson and the entire tennis community who know him for the great work he has done for the British tennis community in the past.’
Dickson’s esteemed work covering Wimbledon over the years led to him being dubbed ‘Mr Wimbledon’, and the official account of the tournament stated: ‘All of us at Wimbledon are deeply saddened to hear this news. Mike has covered so many of our championships and brought so many stories to so many sports fans around the world during his distinguished career in journalism. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Open said: “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Mike, our long-time colleague and friend. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”
Former British tennis star and now pundit Laura Robson said: ‘Really devastating news. I can not believe it. All my thoughts are with Mike’s family.”
Current British tennis player Liam Broady also paid tribute, as he shared: ‘I don’t know what to say. A strong, good and honest man. I cared when I was at my lowest point. Rest well Mike.”
Former player Jamie Delgado added: “RIP Mike. Terrible terrible news and shocked. The tennis world will be destroyed and we will miss you. A legend of tennis journalism. REST IN PEACE.’
Anne Keothavong, who was Great Britain’s No. 1 during her playing career, said in the same sentence: ‘Really terrible news. Our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time.”
Former Croatian tennis star Ivan Ljubicic added: ‘No way… so sad… I can’t believe it.’
Tributes were also paid to Dickson from across the sporting world and by fellow journalists.
Piers Morgan shared a message saying: ‘I’m sorry to hear this. Mike was a great journalist. REST IN PEACE.’
The Sports Journalists’ Association also paid heartfelt tribute to Dickson, adding: ‘The SJA extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mike Dickson. He was much loved and respected in the industry and spent 33 years at @MailSport, including stints as a cricket correspondent and then tennis. Mike will be greatly missed.”
Former Sports Secretary Tracey Crouch added: “This is such shocking news. I’m so sorry for your loss and sending you and Mike’s colleagues my love and prayers x.”
Elsewhere, Mail Sport columnist and cricket expert David Lloyd added: ‘Terrible news! Just a wonderful man…so sad.”
Eurosport also shared a moving tribute: ‘This morning we heard the extremely sad news that prominent British tennis journalist Mike Dickson has 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 deeply felt by the entire tennis community.
“Our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Several of Dickson’s colleagues and people from across the sporting world also paid tribute
Dickson’s beloved football clubs, Tranmere Rovers and Everton, shared heartfelt messages
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 great colleague and friend along the way. The tennis press room will never be quite the same again.’
Renowned journalist and broadcaster Mark Pougatch shared: “I am so very sorry to hear this. What fond memories of working with him on Ashes tours down under and of our boys messing around with a cricket bat together. It’s always a pleasure to see him at a sporting event afterwards. Condolences and love to you all.”
Everton – who followed Dickson along with Tranmere Rovers – shared further heartfelt words as the club posted: ‘Such sad news. Everyone at Everton sends 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.”