‘More than Chandler’: Sports world pays tribute to Matthew Perry after tragic death

The sports world is mourning Matthew Perry’s death, with tributes flowing for a man who was “much more than Chandler”.

The sporting world has paid tribute to Matthew Perry after his shock death at the age of 54.

The beloved actor was reportedly found dead at his home the Los Angeles area in an apparent drowning accident on Saturday.

A source told TMZ the star had been found in a hot tub, while shortly after another told the US site that he had just returned home from a game of pickleball.

Along with his new-found interest in the sport of pickleball, Perry was a longtime tennis fan all throughout his acting career.

Growing up in Canada, Perry was a talented top-ranked junior tennis player and even considered turning professional before pursuing acting.

“Giving up tennis wasn’t really a decision I had to make,” he told Men’s Health in 2012.

“I was a very good tennis player in Ottawa, Canada — nationally ranked when I was, like, 13. Then I moved to Los Angeles when I was 15, and everyone in L.A. just killed me.

“I was pretty great in Canada. Not so much in Los Angeles. It was insane. I realized I wouldn’t be playing tennis for a living, so I went for acting.”

He played exhibition tennis events, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andrew Agassi and three-time grand slam winner Jennifer Capriati at the height of his Friends fame.

Perry remained a big fan of the sport throughout his acting career, frequently attending grand slams including the US Open in New York.

Matthew Perry at the US Open. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

With Andy Murray in 2012. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He often shared his passion for tennis on social media, and several of his tweets have resurfaced in the wake of his tragic death.

In 2017, Perry posted: “Federer and Nadal playing on the same doubles team right now on The Tennis Channel. I am basically in heaven.”

He congratulated World No. 1 Iga Swiatek on her US Open win last year when the Polish star revealed she had to pinch herself seeing him on the big screen.

Perry wrote: “Congratulations on your wonderful win yesterday, Champ!”

RIP 'Friends' star and big tennis fan Matthew Perry 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9kx4GFfLno

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 29, 2023

He also met Andy Murray at the 2012 US Open when the Brit was in career best form and claimed his first grand slam win.

Tributes flowed in from the sporting world — former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III said there was much more to the man than just his character from Friends.

Matthew Perry was a talented tennis player in his youth. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)

“Matthew Perry was more than Chandler Bing,” Griffin said.

“He was what made Friends go. Sad to hear of his passing, but thankful for the memories he gave us. Rest in Peace.”

Another tribute on X echoing that sentiment said: “Rest in peace Matthew Perry.

“Most recognise him as Chandler Bing from Friends but did you know that before his acting career took off, he was an avid tennis player and even considered pursuing a career as a professional tennis player.

“He has played in celebrity tennis tournaments and had a genuine passion for the sport. Although his acting career became his primary focus, his love for tennis never faded.”

Originally published as ‘More than Chandler’: Sports world pays tribute to Matthew Perry after tragic death