Aryna Sabalenka reveals heartbreak over tragic death of beloved Australian tennis identity aged just 41: ‘Really heartbreaking, I was shocked’
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her heartbreak following the tragic death of Australian tennis identity Duncan McKenzie-McHarg.
The Stan presenter, 41, died in December from ‘blunt traumatic injuries’ after falling from the top of a building in Los Angeles.
Sabalenka described the news as ‘heartbreaking’, and added she was always happy to talk to the veteran journalist, renowned for his infectious personality.
‘Really heartbreaking, honestly, I was shocked,’ the Belarusian star told Wide World of Sports.
‘I didn’t want to believe that. I thought, I hope it’s a mistake or something.
‘We had a lot of great, fun interviews. I would never see it (conversation topics) coming. I thought he was very fun, always smiling, always.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her heartbreak following the tragic death of Australian tennis identity Duncan McKenzie-McHarg (left) in December
Sabalenka descried the news as ‘heartbreaking’, and added she was always happy to talk to the veteran journalist, renowned for his infectious personality
Eddie McGuire (left) described his friend and former colleague Duncan McKenzie-McHarg (right) as a ‘sunny and optimistic source of joy’
‘This is really sad for tennis in Australia. I hope his family stays strong, and they will be OK.’
McKenzie-McHarg began his media career in January 2010 as a reporter for Triple M’s Hot Breakfast with Eddie McGuire.
He then worked as a presenter for both Channel Seven and Channel Ten, before becoming the US correspondent for Fox Sports Australia in 2017, remaining with the company until May 2022.
In August 2022, the father-of-one took on his dream position as a LA-based sports presenter with Stan, a role he remained in until his tragic passing.
During his time with Stan, McKenzie-McHarg interviewed countless world-famous sports stars including Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host McGuire was shattered by the death of his protégé.
‘Like everyone who was exposed to the sunny, optimistic, quirky joy of our friend and colleague Duncan McKenzie-McHarg, the news was heartbreaking and devastating,’ McGuire said in a statement last month.
‘He turned his natural happy and kind disposition into a skill set that disarmed the world’s biggest stars…and the fact he built his international career from scratch brought great admiration from his old mates.
‘Our deepest condolences to Duncan’s family and friends. We are all so sad.’
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