Nicola Pietrangeli, captain Filippo Volandri lost his first idol

Filippo Volandri expressed his condolences on the death of Nicola Pietrangeli: “Today our tennis loses a giant. Nicola Pietrangeli was the first idol and the first real reference point for anyone who loved the sport”.

“For those of us who wear or have worn the blue jersey, he was never just a great champion of the past. From the wry joke to the most serious advice, he always had the right way to make you think and to remind you what it means to represent Italy. He was free, direct, authentic: for this reason unique”, added the Livorno native, in a post on Instagram.

And again: “He paved the way for all of us. His victories, his personality and his way of living tennis allowed Italy to believe it could compete at the highest level. We grew up with his stories, with his overwhelming passion, with his ability to make us feel part of a bigger story”.

“We lose a symbol and a teacher, but his spirit will remain with us, in every Davis Cup and in every boy who steps onto the court in the blue jersey. Thank you, Nicola, for all that you have represented and will continue to represent for our tennis”, concluded the Italy captain.