Tribute to Howard Fendrich
Howard Fendrich, the Associated Press national sports writer known for his in-depth coverage of various Grand Slam tennis finals, remarkable Olympic events, and the challenging terrain of Alpine skiing, has passed away at 55. His wife, Rosanna Maietta, confirmed that he died on Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Fendrich had been diagnosed with cancer just a few months prior, shortly after reporting from Milan, where he covered his 11th Olympics.
Roger Federer reflected on his interactions with Fendrich, estimating they had spoken over 100 times throughout the years. He described the journalist as “one of the most enduring and inspiring figures in tennis.” Federer mentioned, “Howard started covering tennis around 2002, just as I was starting to find my feet. Over the years, he truly became woven into the sport’s fabric.” He noted, “Tennis has lost a great journalist and a great person.”
Surviving Fendrich are his wife, his mother Renee, his younger brother Alex, and two sons, Stefano and Jordan, who are both following in their father’s footsteps into sports journalism.
Julie Pace, the AP editor-in-chief, praised Fendrich as a talented journalist bringing skill, enthusiasm, and warmth to his work. “His pieces were a joy to read, blending lively prose with insightful reporting. He was cherished as a colleague and will be missed by many.”
A Long-Standing Member of AP
Fendrich, a graduate of Haverford College, began his journey with the AP as an unpaid intern in Rome and worked there for 33 years. He honed his Italian by watching karaoke videos, which eventually facilitated his career in European sports journalism, particularly in soccer. This caught the eye of then-AP Sports Editor Terry R. Taylor, who helped him return to the US.
In America, he took on the role of editor at the AP Sports Desk in New York and later moved to the Washington area in 2005, becoming a recognized presence in the sports community where he grew up. However, tennis was where his true passion lay. Over nearly 25 years, he covered around 70 Grand Slam tournaments, chronicling the careers of legends like Venus and Serena Williams, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. His talent shone brightest at these events.
Fendrich’s accolades included two Grimsley Awards for top work among AP sportswriters and recognition for pieces written under tight deadlines, such as his poignant coverage of Andre Agassi’s last game at the 2006 US Open. The writing captured a vulnerable moment that stuck with many readers.
He managed to combine detailed narratives, like the heartfelt meeting between Federer and Bjorn Borg post-Wimbledon, with the gritty realities of the sport, including washing gear after a match at Roland Garros.
An Instinct for News
On his recent assignment in Milan, he followed fighter Jake Paul to get a quote, showcasing his relentless pursuit of the story. Known for his ability to ask the right questions, Fendrich consistently demonstrated a knack for where to be at the right time. He famously camped out during the NFL lockout, waiting for school principals to emerge after tense negotiations, embodying determination amidst frustrations.
There were scenes in his career where, even at a World Series game, his phone would ring, revealing personal connections. If it was Italian, it meant it was his wife; sometimes it was just his kids needing to chat about school or sports, but he always returned to his work without missing a beat.
According to former AP European sports editor Stephen Wilson, “Nothing could top him.” He emphasized the high standards Fendrich upheld in his writing, crafting each piece to perfection. Beyond his writing prowess, Fendrich possessed quick wit and a sharp sense of humor. When he motioned for colleagues to join him in his “office”—typically a quiet spot outside the press area—they couldn’t resist.
Chris Reholites, an AP editor with extensive experience in tennis coverage, recalled Fendrich as a perfectionist. He also noted that Fendrich’s humor and lollipops made even the longest days enjoyable.
