Tennis stars at the Australian Open have paid tribute to Kobe Bryant following his death in a helicopter crash.
Bryant took up the sport following his retirement from basketball and was friends with a number of leading players.
He was at the US Open last summer and sat in Naomi Osaka's box for one of her matches.
He also wrote a children's book about tennis released last year called Legacy and the Queen.
Novak Djokovic, who will play his quarter-final in Melbourne on Tuesday, was among those who knew the 41-year-old.
Writing on Instagram on Monday after learning of the death of Bryant and his daughter Gianna, the world number two said: "My heart truly mourns over the news today.
"Kobe was a great mentor and friend. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy."
Djokovic added: "May God bless you and your Gianna. Thank you for being there for me and inspiring the entire world. Thank you for showing all of us athletes how to compete and respect sport.
"Thank you for the greatest legacy you leave behind with us. I'll never forget your smile spreading positive energy everywhere you went. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts."
Djokovic had spoken about his friendship with Bryant in an interview on ESPN only a few days ago, describing how the LA Lakers star had helped him when he was going through a difficult patch in his life and career.
Djokovic said: "He was one of the people that was really there for me and could give me some very valuable advice and guidelines to believe and trust in myself.
"I'm very grateful to him for being there for me, for being very supportive. I love Kobe – who doesn't? He's an amazing guy and one of the best basketball players and athletes of all time."
Kobe and Gigi💔 This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family. pic.twitter.com/rnGI8o1p5L — Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) January 26, 2020 I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 27, 2020 Our deepest sympathies to the family, loved ones and friends of @kobebryant and his daughter Gianna, as well as the entire @Lakers organization and fan base. Kobe was an incredible person whose support and appreciation for women's sports and athletes will be missed. — WTA (@WTA) January 27, 2020 RIP Kobe Bryant and all those who lost their lives today 💔 Your loss puts everything in perspective. Thank you for inspiring so many of us to follow our dreams — Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) January 27, 2020 RIP 🐐. The definition of intensity 🖤🙏🏾 #RIPKobeBryant #24 #8 pic.twitter.com/USdHMWM4D1 — Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 26, 2020
Osaka wrote an emotional Twitter post with the caption "I can't".
Beginning "Dear Big bro", Osaka said: "I don't really know what to do so I'm writing you this letter. Thank you for being you. Thank you for inspiring people everywhere, you have no idea how many hearts you've touched.
"Thank you for being so humble and not acting as big as you are. Thank you for caring and checking up on me after my hard losses. Thank you for randomly texting me 'You OK?', cause you know how f***ed up my head is sometimes.
"Thank you for teaching me so much in the short time I've been lucky enough to have known you. Thank you for existing. You will forever be my big bro/mentor/inspiration. Love you."
Maria Sharapova was another player who said Bryant had helped her through tough times.
She wrote on Twitter: "Kobe and Gigi. This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family."
Rafael Nadal added his condolences on Twitter, saying: "I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock."
In a post on Instagram stories, Andy Murray wrote: "This has hit me hard. Thinking of all his family, friends and colleagues."
