Defending champion Boris Becker (left) and unseeded Australian tennis player Peter Doohan during their second-round match at Wimbledon, 26 June 1987. Doohan eventually defeated the top-seeded player. — Boris Becker (left) in the process of being defeated by unseeded Australian player Peter Doohan during their second-round match at Wimbledon, 26 June 1987. Becker paid tribute to Doohan after news of his death emerged. Photograph: Chris Cole/Getty Images

Australian tennis player Peter Doohan dies at 56

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Doohan known as the ‘Becker Wrecker’ for knocking defending champion Boris Becker out of Wimbledon in 1987
Doohan reportedly had an aggressive form of motor neurone disease

Former Australian tennis player and coach Peter Doohan has died at the age of 56.

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Dubbed the “Becker Wrecker” after famously defeating two-time defending champion Boris Becker in 1987 at Wimbledon, Doohan reached a career-high world ranking of No 43.

In a tweet on Saturday evening, Becker said: “My heartfelt condolences to the family of #PeterDoohan! The tennis fraternity lost a great guy and wonderful player!”

In a statement issued earlier on Saturday, Tennis Australia said the tennis family was deeply saddened by the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

“Peter was unbeaten in Davis Cup representation. He won the South Australian Open singles title and reached No 15 in doubles, winning five titles during his distinguished career.”

The ABC reported Doohan had been recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease.

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Australian tennis player Peter Doohan dies at 56

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