Fendrich, award-winning AP sports writer, tennis expert, dies

May 22, 2026 - 00:55

Howard Fendrich, an award-winning Associated Press sports journalist who chronicled historic Olympic achievements and covered roughly 70 Grand Slam tennis finals, has passed away. He was 55.

Fendrich spent more than three decades at the AP, where his sharp reporting and deep knowledge of tennis made him a trusted voice in sports journalism. He was at the center of some of the sport's biggest moments, from Roger Federer's record-breaking runs to Serena Williams' dominant era. His coverage extended beyond the baseline, as he also reported from multiple Olympic Games, capturing the drama of Michael Phelps' gold medal haul and Usain Bolt's lightning sprints.

Colleagues remembered Fendrich as a meticulous reporter who could break down a five-set match or a doping scandal with equal clarity. He was known for his dry wit, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to deliver clean, authoritative copy under tight deadlines. The AP noted that he was a mentor to younger writers and a steady hand in the newsroom.

Fendrich's death was confirmed by his family. The cause was not immediately disclosed. He leaves behind a legacy of rigorous journalism and a body of work that helped define how tennis and the Olympics were covered for a generation.