Bermuda?s tennis fraternity is mourning the passing of one of its legends and saluting his contribution to the sport.

In particular, Eldridge Bascome (Pop) Smith?s role in desegregating tennis has been applauded by his son, Donal, who noted his father?s interest in the game spurred him to defy authorities who prevented him from entering the tennis stadium as a boy.

?He was only about nine or ten then but he kept going back each and was eventually allowed to be a ball boy.

?After that, he took up the game and went on to become Bermuda?s champion for at least a decade. He really dominated tennis and was the first Bermudian pro,? recalled the younger Smith of his father?s exploits.

President of Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) David Lambert also hailed Smith who was his former coach, noting he brought a ?very high level of play which others were able to measure their performances against? in the 1960s and 70s.

?He was known for his serve and volley technique and also possessed a great level of fitness. He was the number one player in singles for a long time and he and Donald Lottimore were ranked number one in doubles.

?He went on to be a tennis professional and was hired as the Director of Tennis as Castle Harbour Hotel. He often played in tennis exhibitions against the likes of Donald Dell and Arthur Ashe when they visited Bermuda.

?He was not just a tough competitor and a very gifted athlete but also an entertainer who was always able to bring crowds into the game.

?You always knew when he was playing because the stands were packed. That was the popularity that he brought to the sport,? said Lambert in tribute.

Smith, 75, also made a vital contribution in coaching various rising talents and the BLTA chief remembers fondly the relationship which they enjoyed.

?When I was 16 and a top junior, Cromwell Manders recommended that I go to El (Pop) Smith because he felt I needed to develop more strategy and needed tougher competition on a regular basis.

?One of the first things I realised was that if you weren?t willing to work hard and run for every ball that was hit at you then you didn?t belong with El (Pop) Smith. He was very much a pro who dwelt on fitness and concentration.

?He was the best and that?s what he expected from his students too,? said Lambert, adding that Smith represented the Island in overseas tours to The Bahamas and elsewhere.

Donal stressed that his father was not just a giant on the tennis courts but also made his mark in soccer, playing for PHC Zebras alongside guys like Calvin and Dick White, Townsey Russell, Ronald (Froggy) Simmons and Ed Durham. Smith was also a talented calypsonian.

Smith, who died on Monday evening at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, leaves his wife, Freda, and seven children.

His funeral will take place on Monday at 1 p.m. at the New Testament Church of God on Dundonald Street.