Tennis world in mourning: farewell to Neale Fraser

Tennis mourns the passing of Neale Fraser

Australia and the entire tennis world mourns the passing of Neale Fraser, who died at the age of 91. The news è was confirmed by Australian authorities. The former Australian tennis player è was world number one and won three Grand Slam titles: two U.S. National Championships, predecessors of the current U.S. Open, in 1959 and 1960 and one at Wimbledon in 1960. In addition, he collected eleven Grand Slam titles in doubles and five in mixed doubles.

In 1959, Fraser helped lead Australia to Davis Cup victory as a player. He later became captain of the Australian team from 1970 to 1993, a period during which he led the team to win four more titles.

"A true Australian tennis legend who will be missed by so many people around the world" this is the tribute from the Australian Federtennis on X.

"He was like a father to me. He knew how to make you feel important and give your best" these are the words of 1987 Wimbledon-winning compatriot Pat Cash.

The Melbourne native was echoed by Rod Laver: "My dear friend and fellow left-hander was a real gem in the'age of the golden age of Australian tennis legends. He was an incredible world number one, a Grand Slam winner and a Davis Cup icon.Neale beat me in two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. I will miss you very much, dear friend".