Johannesburg - Shortly after returning from East London, where he participated in the SA Veterans Championships last week, Hannes Mentz collapsed at his home in Mondeor and died of a heart attack. He was 79 years old.
Mentz, who lived alone, was found dead in his home on Tuesday.
"He was more than a tennis player," said former SA Davis Cup stalwart and SA Open champion Abe Segal on Thursday.
"He was a man of great chivalry, honour and decency who played the game in the manner it should be played."
Mentz represented South Africa at world veteran team events over many years and won numerous national veterans doubles titles.
"He was a legend who had no enemies and was liked by all who met him, and all will feel personally affected by his death," said Gauteng Veteran Tennis Association's Hector Kingwill.
The funeral service will be held at the Dutch Reformed Church in Mondeor at 11:00 on Saturday.