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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Wimbledon star Annabel Croft pictured for the first time since husband's death

Annabel Croft has made a return to Wimbledon after sharing the sad news her partner died in May.

The tennis star's husband, Mel Coleman, lost his battle with cancer just eight weeks after his diagnosis after previously complaining of stomach pain.

Annabel, 56, had been married to the professional yachtsman, 60, since 1992, but put on a brave face as she attended the annual tennis tournament in South West London.

The former British number one smiled at fans as she made her way into the grounds sporting a blush pink denim jumpsuit and sage green cardigan.

She left her naturally curly hair loose as as she clutched a navy quilted bag, wearing a press pass around her neck.

Annabel Croft is a former Wimbledon British number one (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)
Mel Coleman and Annabel married in 1992 (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Annabel, who covers tennis tournaments around the world, announced her husband's death on May 26, saying in a statement: "My beloved husband Mel passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after a short battle with cancer. My family and I are completely heartbroken and ask for privacy at this very sad time."

A friend told the Daily Mail at the time: "This has come as an extreme shock to everyone – the diagnosis was out of the blue and Mel did not seem unwell at the time.

"Sadly the cancer progressed brutally... and he passed earlier this week. Everyone is devastated and horrified, and Annabel is absolutely shattered. The two of them have been together forever and were a wonderful couple."

Annabel reached the third round at Wimbledon in 1984 before retiring from the sport aged just 21. She won the WTA Tour event Virginia Slims of San Diego and also represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup and the Wightman Cup.

Reaching a career high of world No 24, the star has since covered tennis for for Eurosport, Sky Sports and the BBC.

Annabel's husband, a successful investment banker who took part in the America's Cup, ran a tennis school with his wife before his death.

In recent years the couple had converted an old delivery van into a mobile home, which they took across across Europe, going on numerous walking holidays. They named the vehicle, which they transformed as part of a lockdown project, 'Vannabel'.

Following the news of Mel's passing, Annabel's fans offered their condolences. "Tragic. So sad, always watched her at Wimbledon, amazing lady, so sad, heartbreaking, thoughts with Annabel and all family and loved ones," one posted.

While another wrote: "Dear Annabel, I’m so sad to hear about your beloved husband. Sending you, your families and friends, my condolences, much love and strength. May your husband’s sleep be peaceful."

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