The Independent's former tennis correspondent, John Roberts, a respected journalist who covered the sport for the newspaper for two decades, has died at the age of 84.
A Distinguished Career in Sports Journalism
Born in Stockport in 1941, Roberts began his career with the Stockport Express before moving to national titles. He joined The Independent at its launch in 1986 and served as its tennis correspondent until his retirement in 2006. His tenure included a brief period as football correspondent in 1990 before he returned to his tennis beat.
Roberts also wrote for several other major national newspapers, including the Daily Express, the Guardian, and the Daily Mail, establishing himself as a versatile reporter on both football and tennis.
Author and Celebrated Wordsmith
Beyond journalism, Roberts was a prolific author. He penned several notable books, including former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly’s autobiography. He ghostwrote Kevin Keegan’s first book and authored works on George Best, Manchester United's Busby Babes, and Everton's official centenary history.
Everton Football Club paid tribute, describing his history of the club as “a classic.” Roberts was renowned for his sharp wit and memorable turns of phrase. One famous line described Kevin Keegan by saying, “Keegan wasn’t fit to lace George Best’s drinks.” Another, referring to Paul Gascoigne's injury struggles as “the abdominal showman,” was later repeated on air by legendary commentator Barry Davies.
Tributes from the Industry
The news of his passing has prompted warm tributes from across British journalism. Paul Newman, who succeeded Roberts as The Independent’s tennis correspondent, praised him as a “terrific writer” who was “wonderfully helpful to colleagues.”
Former colleague Nick Harris, who considered Roberts a mentor, highlighted his meticulous standards: “John was a brilliant, meticulous writer, refusing to file a piece containing an imperfect sentence. Which is why we called him the late John Roberts decades ago.” He added that Roberts was “a lovely, funny, kind and gentle man.”
Roberts' influence was noted by columnist Matthew Engel, who once suggested that posh-paper sports writing changed the day Roberts joined The Guardian and began questioning routine agency copy.
John Roberts is survived by his wife Phyllis, his children Chris, Leanne, and Gerard, and his grandchildren Noah, Jack, Mai, and Hassie.
