Mark Hodgkinson, the former tennis correspondent for The Telegraph and an award-winning author, has died unexpectedly at the age of 46. He fell ill at his home in West Sussex on February 4, 2026, and passed away in hospital the following day. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and the broader tennis community, highlighting his talent and warmth.
Mark Hodgkinson served as The Telegraph's tennis correspondent from 2005 to 2011, stepping into a prestigious role previously held by only four journalists in 95 years. At just 25, he chronicled the careers of stars like Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams, offering insightful analysis and personal profiles that captured the sport's atmosphere.
After leaving the newspaper, Hodgkinson built a successful career as a freelance writer and author. His 2013 biography of Andy Murray became a bestseller, followed by books on Murray's coach Ivan Lendl, Djokovic in 'Searching for Novak'—which won the 2025 International Sports Book of the Year—and Alcaraz in 'Being Carlos Alcaraz', released in November 2024. He also collaborated on projects with celebrities like Robbie Williams, Daniel Craig, and Tom Hiddleston, including fitness books that topped Amazon charts.
An Oxford University graduate in Modern History, Hodgkinson contributed to Davis Cup annuals, the London 2012 Olympics programme, Wimbledon, the WTA Tour, and ATP Finals supplements. He is survived by his partner Amy and daughters Molly, 15, and Rosie, 12.
Colleagues expressed profound shock. Oliver Brown said, “Profoundly shocked by the death of Mark Hodgkinson at the age of just 46. A friend and Telegraph colleague for years, he was a gifted writer and an inspiration.” Christopher Clarey added, “Rocked by this. I knew Mark for many years. One of the best and most amiable of colleagues.” Ben Rothenberg tweeted, “Very sad to hear of the shocking passing of Mark Hodgkinson, who was just 46. The number of tennis writers we’ve lost at far-too-young ages in recent years is truly awful.”
Hodgkinson's death adds to recent losses in tennis journalism, including Mike Dickson in 2024 and Duncan McKenzie-McHarg in 2025, underscoring the community's grief.
