When you’re covering a Grand Slam tournament you become, of course, completely consumed by the tennis.

Not over the past few days.

The tennis community is still reeling from the sudden death of the Daily Mail’s correspondent Mike Dickson here in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Cameron Norrie was among the first players to publicly express condolences, saying after his match on Thursday how Mike helped his parents when they relocated to south-west London.

Tales of such generosity, including from younger colleagues like myself when they started on the tennis beat, were very common.

A deep sense of shock and grief has affected us all – British journalists, international colleagues, players past and present, administrators.

Dicko, as he was known, commanded the respect of everyone. After a career covering the sport spanning 30 years, he was the doyen of the British press pack. Astute, honest and, most importantly for any reporter, always unfailingly fair.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in from everywhere – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker among them.

Sue Barker, the British national treasure and long-time friend, spoke of her trust in him. The one thing every reporter wants to gain.

British tennis journalism has lost its leader. His family have lost a loving husband and father. A truly devastating loss.