Safarova and more mourn the 'Sinatra of the East'

Karel Gott, one of the Czech Republic’s most prolific and beloved singers for decades, died on Tuesday after a “long and serious illness,” the BBC reported. He was 80 years old.

Having sold tens of millions of albums around the world since the 1960s, Gott—referred to as the "Sinatra of the East"—was named the most popular musician from the Czech Republic 42 times in a national poll. With a career spanning generations, some current and former tennis players from Gott’s country and Slovakia paid their respects on Instagram.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Lucie Safarova shared a heartfelt post.

Daniela Hantuchova, the former world No. 5 from Slovakia, said Gott will continue to be “an inspiration for many generations.”

Czech Davis Cup legend Radek Stepanek offered a “goodbye.”

Andrea Hlavackova, the Czech doubles star, who’s currently stepped away from the tour as she awaits the birth of her first child, acknowledged Gott’s lasting presence.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias