Coco Gauff, Tracy Austin, Shelby Rogers, Reilly Opelka and tennis world offer condolences as Alison Riske-Amritraj announces father's demise
The tennis world, including Coco Gauff, Reilly Opelka and Tracy Austin, have sent their heartfelt wishes Alison Riske-Amritraj’s way after the player recently announced the passing of her father Albert Riske.
On March 25, Alison Riske-Amritraj dedicated an emotional post to her late father, revealing that he had been battling the recurrence of a rare form of leukemia. The American tennis player opened up about going through a hard time coping with the devastating news.
"The realization of a life without my dad crippled me both mentally and physically for the past months. The disease ravaged his body, but his spirit never faltered," she wrote on Instagram.
She praised her “forever hero” and credited him for being an inspiration and shaping her to be the person she is today.
“To know him, was to know you will never meet anyone else quite like him. Because he was, I am. Forever my hero & inspiration, forever my dad," she added.
The tennis world was touched by Alison Riske-Amritraj’s tribute to her father as they offered their condolences for the 32-year-old’s loss.
“Ali I teared up reading this message!! Sending you all my love and a big hug… I think you are just as big of a bad*ss yourself. Love you!” Bethanie Mattek-Sands wrote.
“Sending you so much love. May he rest in peace,” said Coco Gauff.
Shelby Rogers reminisced on fond memories of Albert Riske and sent her love towards the athlete during the tough time.
“Oh Ali this is the sweetest! What an inspiration and he always gave the best advice on safety and preparing for robbers,” she fondly recalled. “Such amazing memories and words. He will always be looking out for ya! Praying for an overwhelming peace for you and your family and sending all my love and hugs.”
The American’s brother-in-law and tennis presenter Prakash Amritraj offered his condolences as well.
“Oh Ali. I love you so much. He will always be with you,” Prakash Amritraj wrote.
Two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin echoed a similar sentiment, while Reilly Opelka dedicated a series of heart emojis to convey his condolences.
"I am so sorry Ali💔 Those are such heartfelt, loving words from a lucky daughter-sounds like an amazing bond! May beautiful memories help sustain you during this difficult time," Tracy Austrin wrote.
"He was our family's greatest protector" – American tennis player Alison Riske-Amritraj on her father Albert Riske
Alison Riske-Amritraj’s father Albert Riske played a huge part in her life. The American tennis player shared words of admiration in his memory, declaring that the father-of-three wasn’t just a secret service agent and an FBI private investigator, but was her family’s “greatest protector” as well.
"My dad was a Marine, Secret Service agent, and an FBI private investigator. He was a badass his entire life,” she said. “He was our family’s greatest protector and my biggest fan-and I was his.”
The 32-year-old also reminisced on her father’s gentle and playful side and revealed his love for animals and his fine sense of humor.
“He adored animals like they were his children. His sense of humor and laugh fill my greatest memories,” she wrote.