A 15-year-old Australian tennis player has died after collapsing while training for an ITF tournament in Nepal.
Kent Yamazaki fell unconscious, subsequently falling and hitting his head on the court during training on Wednesday, according to Tennis West.
The report says he never regained consciousness, and a cause of death was not stated.
“Kent was known for his infectious smile and genuine love of the game,” a statement from Tennis West said. “He was a true gentleman on and off the court.”
A 15-year-old Australian tennis player has died after collapsing while training for an ITF tournament in Nepal.
On Wednesday, Kent Yamazaki was preparing for the Kathmandu ITF Juniors when he fell unconscious, subsequently falling and hitting his head on the court, according to Tennis West.
A contact from the ITF told Business Insider he was rushed to the nearest hospital, just 500 meters away, and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on life support.
He died in hospital soon after. The cause of death is unknown as of yet.
“The WA Tennis Community is in mourning today after learning of the tragic passing of 15-year-old Kent Yamazaki,” Tennis West said in a statement.
“Kent was known for his infectious smile and genuine love of the game. He was a true gentleman on and off the court, and his passion and incredible work ethic saw him rise through the ranks and reach great heights in his tennis career, representing WA proudly at many National events.”
The teenager, ranked 2,354th in the world, had yet to win an ITF junior title, however Tennis West says he excelled in national and state tournaments, and in December, helped his high school win the National Championships in Albury.
The statement added: “Kent was always the first player at practice, and embodied the National Academy values of Compete, Commit and Respect. He was a favorite among his peers and was well respected by the wider tennis fraternity for his hard work, graciousness and positivity.
“This is a tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Tomio, Kimie and all of Kent’s family, friends and coaches at this incredibly difficult time.”
Alexander Park Tennis Club, where Yamzaki often trained and player, also paid tribute.
“Today, we are mourning a tragic loss,” the club said in a post on Instagram. “As a club and broader tennis community, it’s important we look out for and support one another, particularly those who played alongside Kent whether through school, tournaments or league.
Alexander Park Tennis ClubHello Members. Many of you will now have heard the terrible news of the passing yesterday of one of our young club members, 15 year old Kent Yamazaki. A rising star in the making, Kent was preparing for an ITF event in Nepal when he fell unconscious, hitting his head on the court. Tragically, he didn’t regain consciousness. Kent came to us last year from Mt Lawley Tennis Club to train and play in our State Grade squad. Having represented WA in a number of National events, he was already an integral member of our Men’s Division 2 team. Just a couple of weeks ago it was wonderful to see Kent win the U16 APTC Summer Gold tournament on our own courts. Known for his infectious smile, humility and grace, he will be remembered as a true champion on and off the court. Today, we are mourning a tragic loss. As a club and broader tennis community, it’s important we look out for and support one another, particularly those who played alongside Kent whether through school, tournaments or league. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tomio and Kimie, and all of Kent’s family and friends. He will be sadly missed.... Greg Hutchinson Patron on behalf of Alexander Park Tennis Club . . . #tenniswesternaustralia #tenniswest #alexanderparktennisclub #aptc #tennis #perthlife #tenniswest #perthtennis #perthtennisclubs #tennisaustralia #perthsportslife #thetennisproacademy #mountlawley #northperthlocal #mytennisclub #northperthcafe @tenniswest_leagues_tournaments @tennis_wa
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tomio and Kimie, and all of Kent’s family and friends. He will be sadly missed.”
