Renowned Argentine sports journalist Guillermo Salatino died on Saturday at age 80 from a cardiac arrest, leaving a legacy of over four decades covering world tennis. The Argentine Tennis Association honored him for influencing generations of professionals and expanding global coverage of Argentine tennis.
Guillermo Salatino, an iconic figure in Argentine sports journalism, died on January 17, 2026, at age 80 following a cardiac arrest before surgery. With a career spanning over 40 years, Salatino specialized in tennis and covered 147 Grand Slams, retiring from official coverage in 2022.
Graduated in 1978 from the Círculo de Periodistas Deportivos, he worked for prominent radios like Continental, Mitre, and La Red, extending his work to television and book publications. His achievements include the 2007 Konex Award in Sports Audiovisual and the 2017 Ron Bookman Media Excellence at the ATP World Tour Awards, the first for a Latin American.
The Argentine Tennis Association (AAT) issued an emotional statement on social media: "Today is a sad day for all of us: at 80 years old, Guillermo Salatino passed away, a journalist who paved the way for many generations of professionals and expanded the coverage of Argentine tennis worldwide." The AAT noted that, despite his retirement, Salatino attended Davis Cup ties in 2023 in Groningen and Bologna, and recently celebrated Sebastián Báez's win in Auckland on January 15.
"We will miss you, Salata. Thank you for promoting our sport for nearly half a century," the AAT message concluded, offering condolences to family and friends. The tennis world, including social media tributes, bids farewell to this legend who elevated Argentine tennis's international visibility.
