A former world number one, he had won three Grand Slam singles titles. He also distinguished himself in the Davis Cup in the early 1960s.
Former Australian Tennis player Neale Fraser, who won three Grand Slam singles titles, has died at the age of 91, Australian authorities announced Tuesday, as tributes poured in.
The former world number one amateur won at the US National, ancestor of the US Open, in 1959 and 1960, and at Wimbledon in 1960. He also won eleven Grand Slam titles in doubles, and five in mixed doubles.
In 1959, as a player, he led Australia to glory in the Davis Cup, a competition of which he became a symbol after leading the Australian team as captain between 1970 and 1993, winning four more titles.
“A true legend of Australian tennis who will be missed by so many people around the world”wrote Tennis Australia on X.
“He was like a father to me”declared his compatriot Pat Cash, the winner of Wimbledon in 1987, quoted by the federation. “He knew how to make you feel important and give your best”.
The greatest Australian player in history, Rod Laver, who was beaten in the final by Fraser at Wimbledon and Forest Hills in 1960, paid tribute to “my dear left-handed friend and companion”.
“He was a true gem in the golden age of Australian tennis legends – an incredible world number one, Grand Slam winner and Davis Cup icon”wrote Laver, 86, on X.
“Neale beat me in two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. I will miss you very much, my friend”he added.
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