Howard Fendrich has sadly passed away at the age of 55. He is best known for his work as a sports reporter for the Associated Press. Howard died after a short battle with cancer, having been diagnosed in February, shortly after returning from Milan.
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Throughout his storied career, Howard covered dozens of tennis Grand Slam finals, along with 11 separate Olympics. The long-time reporter was respected by those in the industry, but also by the sports stars he covered.
"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," Tennis superstar Roger Federer said, via The New York Post. "Tennis lost a wonderful journalist and a great person."
Federer wasn't the only person to give tribute to Howard. Julie Pace, the Executive Editor and Senior Vice President of the Associated Press, also released a statement.
"Howard was a gifted journalist who brought such skill, expertise and enthusiasm to his work," said AP Executive Editor and Senior Vice President Julie Pace. "His stories were a joy to read, combining lively writing with insightful reporting. He was also a generous and beloved colleague whose warmth and passion touched so many across the AP."
Howard Fendrich Spent Three Decades Covering Sports
Howard spent 33 years working for the Associated Press. He began his career as an unpaid intern, working out of Rome. Throughout the years, Howard worked his way up the ladder, spending time in the Associated Press' New York Office before moving to Washington.
However, Howard's love had always been tennis. So, as he began to carve out his career, he naturally leaned into covering the sport he adored.
"He chronicled the careers of Venus and Serena Williams, Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and others," The New York Post reported. "He covered some 70 Grand Slam tournaments over nearly a quarter century on the beat. It was at those events where his brilliance shone brightest."
Howard leaves behind his wife Renee and his two sons, Stefano and Jordan. Currently no information regarding his funeral has been made public.
