THE STORY
During the 1983 US Open junior final between Stefan Edberg and Simon Youl, Edberg's serve struck linesman Dick Wertheim in the groin. The impact caused Wertheim to fall backward, hitting his head on the hardcourt surface. He was unconscious when taken to Flushing Hospital and Medical Center and died on September 15 from blunt cranial trauma. This incident led to changes in linesman seating during matches.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Stefan Edberg
WHY IT MATTERS
This tragic event marked the first fatality in tennis history due to an on-court accident, prompting significant safety reforms in the sport.