Rod Laver
IN PHOTO: Tennis Hall of Famer Rod Laver accepts the Tennis Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of fellow Australian Thelma Coyne Long during the Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island July 13, 2013. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi

Australian tennis great Thelma Coyne Long has reportedly passed away. Long, a two-time grand slam champion and International Hall of Fame inductee, died at the age of 96.

According to a report by Tennis Australia, Long died peacefully in her sleep in her Sydney home on April 14. Following the announcement of her death, Tennis Australia paid tribute to Long on its official account on Twitter. Australian tennis reporter Craig Gabriel also wrote nice words about Long on his account on the popular social networking website.

Meanwhile, a similar report by The Associated Press said that Long’s funeral service will be held on April 20. It will take place at a chapel located in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Matraville, New South Wales.

Long was successful in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events during her 22-year tennis career. She won the Australian Championships twice, in 1952 and 1954. Long was also a 12-time grand slam doubles champion and a four-time mixed doubles champion at the Australian Open. She also won the mixed doubles title at the 1956 French Open. Long, who achieved her career-high singles rank as World No. 7 in 1952, was also a three-time grand slam singles quarterfinalist and two-time doubles grand slam finalist.

In 2002, Long, alongside compatriot two-time grand slam singles champion Mervyn Rose, was inducted into Australian Tennis Hall of Fame. Long and Rose joined the likes of other Australian tennis greats such as Rod Laver (1993 inductee), Margaret Court (1993), Sir Norman Brookes (1996) and John Newcombe (1998).

Long was also inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. Long, who was 94 years old then, wasn’t able to attend the ceremony. Laver accepted the award on her behalf.

Singles Grand Slam Champion

Australian Championships - 1952, 1954

Doubles Grand Slam Champion

Australian Championships - 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1958

Mixed Doubles Grand Slam Champion

Australian Championships - 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955

French Open - 1956

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