History of Bob and Kent
Meeting in Melbourne
Bob Brett first met Kent at Melbourne Park in 2018 during the December Showdown. Kent competed in the U14 Australian Championships and the team Championships for WA, while Bob was looking after a young Japanese team competing in the same event. During this time they got to know each other on and off the court, as Kent enjoyed swimming, shopping, training and going out to dinner with the Japanese boys.
Bob quickly realised Kent was a very rare junior player. Most top players Kent’s age tend to focus purely on tennis training and do not place enough importance on academics and studying. Kent, however, was also very studious and loved mathematics and science. Bob admired Kent’s ability to manage his time balancing training and learning, and his equally enthusiastic approach to both.
Legacy
Kent’s life inspired many people and left a legacy in this world. To pass on Kent’s spirit of sportsmanship, academic efforts and tennis achievement, Bob offered to establish the Kent Yamazaki Foundation, which Kent’s family amended to the Kent Yamazaki and Bob Brett Tennis Foundation in August 2020., due to their respect for Bob and their appreciation for his support to Kent.