February 3, 2025

Open Court

MORE TENNIS THAN YOU'LL EVER NEED

The Tennis.Life team is saddened to learn of the sudden, unexpected death of Steve Johnson, Sr.

Johnson died in his sleep Thursday morning. He was only 58 years old.

He was a respected tennis coach and the father of current top American ATP Tour player Steve Johnson.

Johnson
Just a few weeks ago, Johnson was doing what he loved – watching college tennis at the Ojai.

Just two weeks ago, Johnson was all smiles as he attended matches at The Ojai tournament in California.

Wednesday morning, he played his usual round of golf.

That evening, he was dispensing his wisdom on the tennis court. Thursday morning, he was gone.

Johnson ran the Steve Johnson Tennis Academy, which for decades was based at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis and Fitness Club. More recently, he also was high-performance director at the Golden West Tennis Academy. He had been a tennis coach for more than 35 years.

Early in his life, he served as his son’s coach. 

“He taught me pretty much everything I know. Since I can remember, it’s always been me and him out there hitting balls, having a blast. It’s really been amazing. I wouldn’t change anything,” Johnson once said.

In 2013, he was assistant coach for the World Team Tennis Orange County Breakers team, an experience he was able to share with his son.

Sincere condolences to Stevie and the rest of the Johnson family.

(Feature and WTT pics from Mr. Johnson’s Facebook page, where tennis friends from across the country are leaving condolences and remembrances)

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