A Life Devoted to Tennis

Delaware lost a tennis icon when Bob Bratcher passed away on August 5^th. For the past 60 years, Bob devoted much of his life to tennis and in the past 30 years he was a teacher, coach, mentor, volunteer, and friend to many.

His list of contributions, awards and recognitions are long including Delaware Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee, USTA Delaware District Community Tennis Coach of the Year, and USTA National Eve Kraft Award recipient, but everyone knew him for his gentle soul, quiet demeanor, and huge smile.

He made everyone he knew feel special.

His passion for coaching took him all over Delaware including, the Rodney Street Courts, Ferris School, Christiana High School, and Haynes Park.

His focus was introducing tennis to as many city kids as possible and he was a fixture on the courts. If a volunteer was needed, Bob would be the first to sign up.

He had a saying, “No one cares how much you know until you show how much you care”. 

And that may be part of the magic that he displayed as a coach. 

Bob was also a fierce tennis competitor in his own right. Ten years ago he won the 75 Men’s Singles event at the American Tennis Association National Tennis Tournament held in Key Biscayne, Florida, and came in as runner-up in the 75 Men’s Doubles event. Bob touched so many in our community and will be missed by all.

For those interested, donations are being accepted in his memory for “The Robert Bratcher Scholarship Fund”.  

Please make check payable to:  Tennis Rocks Tutoring & Music Foundation and mail to 203 W. 23^rd St., Wilmington, DE 19802.

If you're interested in Volunteer work with the USTA Middle States, click here.