Owen Davidson dead at 79: Billie Jean King ‘heartbroken’ over death of partner she won eight grand slams with

13-time tennis Grand Slam doubles winner Owen Davidson has died at the age of 79.

The Australian won 11 Grand Slams in mixed doubles and two in men’s doubles.

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He won eight of his 13 Grand Slam triumphs alongside American tennis icon Billie Jean King.

Born in Melbourne, Davidson also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon as a singles player in 1966 and coached the British Davis Cup team.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame confirmed that Davidson passed away on Friday.

King paid an emotional tribute to Davidson TwitterHe writes, “Yesterday the world lost Owen Davidson, a Hall of Fame tennis champion who proudly represented Australia at the @DavisCup, a man who was my partner in mixed doubles and a longtime friend of Ilana and I.”

“Owen was the only man I could win mixed @Wimbledon with. Together we have won 8 major mixed titles.”

“Our hearts are broken but we find peace in the wonderful memories we shared with our friend Davo.”

Fellow Australian Rod Laver tweeted: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Owen Davidson.

“He was a left-hander, a great master of sports, the best at doubles and above all a great mate. Rest in peace, Davo.”

Davidson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.

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