Three-time USSR tennis champion Korotkov died at the age of 77.

Vladimir Korotkov, three-time USSR tennis champion and three-time winner of junior Grand Slam tournaments, passed away at the age of 78. This was announced on June 15 on the official website of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTR).

"Honored Master of Sports of the USSR Vladimir Viktorovich Korotkov died yesterday," the publication says.

As noted by the FTR, the athlete entered the history of Russian tennis. Korotkov was one of the most decorated players of his time. So, he won the title of champion of Russia in the USSR three times, in 1969 he became the European champion, in 1967 he won the Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR.

In addition, the athlete also demonstrated high results, taking first place in three Grand Slam tournaments: Roland Garros (1965) and Wimbledon twice (1965, 1966). For 10 years, he was one of the ten strongest tennis players in the USSR.

From 1969 to 1974, Korotkov participated in 13 Davis Cup matches, then he defended the honor of the state in the international arena. In 2013, his contribution to the field of Russian sports was recognized by the award of the Russian Cup.