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Remembering longtime tennis journalist Howard Fendrich

Howard Fendrich, the longtime Associated Press sports writer who began covering tennis in 2002, passed away Thursday aged 55.

The Washington, D.C.-based reporter was a fixture in the international sports community, covering a wide array of sports at the Olympics, including in Milan earlier this year. Having reported on 11 editions of the Olympics, he this year wrote about sports ranging from ice hockey to speedskating.

Fendrich was diagnosed with cancer upon his return from Italy, a country very meaningful to his life and career. He began his 33 years with the Associated Press as an intern in Rome.

His wife, Rosanna Maietta, also began her career as a reporter in Rome. Especially in recent years, Fendrich would surprise reporters less familiar with him by speaking Italian with players, including Jannik Sinner, during press conferences and mixed zone interviews.

Fendrich was a determined reporter who was always one of — if not the final — reporter in the press room each evening. Always with a notebook and recorder in hand, Fendrich was consistently there to tell the story of the players and the sport, from the biggest moments in tennis’ history to first-round matches.

The co-president of the International Tennis Writers Association earned the respect of the players he worked with, reflected in statements made by two of the best players in history, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, following his passing.

“He started covering tennis in 2002, right around the time I was starting to have my breakthrough in the sport, and over time he truly became part of the fabric of tennis,” Federer told the Associated Press. “Tennis lost a wonderful journalist and a great person.”

Nadal wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’ve just learned of the passing of Howard Fendrich, from Associated Press. Tennis loses one of its great journalists. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

In December 2024, Jenson Brooksby opened up to Fendrich about living with autism. The American paid tribute to the reporter upon hearing the news of his passing.

“RIP Howard Fendrich — You were one of the truly great voices in tennis journalism,” Brooksby wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for always treating my story with care, honesty, and humanity during many difficult moments. The sport lost a great writer, but more importantly, a great person. Grateful for your kindness and support. You will be missed❤️🎾.”

As focused as he was on his work, particularly on deadline, Fendrich always made time to speak about other sports, particularly teams he covered like the Washington Nationals and the Washington Commanders. But above all, Fendrich was proud to provide updates on his two sons, Stefano and Jordan, who are following in their father’s footsteps in sports journalism.

Fendrich is survived by his wife, their two sons, his mother, Renee, and brother, Alex.