30/07/2026
Obituary for Ulf Fischer
ATP Coach | PTCA International Master Professional | German Davis Cup Coach
Yesterday I received the sad news that my friend, colleague, and long-time companion Ulf Fischer has passed away. This news deeply touched me and has filled me with great sadness.
Ulf Fischer was an outstanding ATP Coach, PTCA International Master Professional, and highly respected German Davis Cup Coach.
Throughout his career, he represented the highest values of professional coaching: knowledge, dedication, passion, and commitment to the development of players and the sport of tennis.
Ulf and I first met in the 1980s at the Satellite tournaments – a time when many young players and coaches were travelling with great passion for tennis, fighting for their next steps in the sport. These tournaments were not only competitions on the court, but also places where friendships were created, experiences were shared, and lifelong memories were made. This is where our connection began.
Ulf was a tennis player and tennis coach in the truest sense of the word. He had a special ability to connect with people and guide players on their journey. For him, coaching was never only about technique, tactics, or results – it was also about teaching the essential values of sport: respect, dedication, fairness, and the joy of continuous development.
Over many decades, we experienced and helped shape tennis from close range. We shared many conversations about coaching, player development, and the future of our sport. Ulf was always a highly respected colleague, an honest discussion partner, and someone you could rely on.
I am especially grateful for his support during the early years of PTCA. When we started building an international platform for professional tennis coaches and promoting greater recognition, education, and development of the coaching profession, Ulf was one of the people who believed in and supported this vision. He understood early on the importance of a stronger coaching community, professional exchange, and lifelong learning for tennis coaches around the world.
The generation of the 1980s was shaped by a unique passion for tennis. Coaches and players travelled together from tournament to tournament, learned from each other, and built networks and friendships that often lasted a lifetime. Ulf was an important part of this tennis family.
The colourful portrait of Ulf is a tribute to remember him as the colourful, warm, and positive person he truly was. It reflects the energy, kindness, humour, and passion that he brought into the lives of the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.
His legacy will continue through the many players he influenced, through the coaches he inspired, and through the memories of all colleagues and friends who shared parts of his remarkable journey.
I will remember Ulf as a friend, a colleague, and a passionate ambassador for our sport.
My thoughts are with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you, dear Ulf, for your friendship, your support, your passion, and your valuable contribution to tennis. You will be deeply missed.
Håkan Dahlbo
PTCA President
