The couple said they shared in the sorrow felt by his family and those close to him, offering “their sincere condolences at this painful time.”The Palace also acknowledged Mr De Massy’s sporting passion, noting that as a devoted tennis player, “he was part of a family history closely linked to the sport in the Principality.” In a 2012 interview with Vogue Italia, Mr De Massy himself described Prince Albert as his first and greatest supporter.Mr De Massy took up tennis at just three years old, with his father introducing him to the sport. He subsequently relocated from Monaco to Miami to pursue his training while continuing his education in Florida.Speaking to Vogue Italia in 2012, he declared that his dream was “to become number one in the world,” before adding: “Even in the top 20 wouldn’t be bad!” He also harboured hopes of representing the principality at the Olympic Games.