Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser dead at 91, tributes pour in from tennis world
Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser has died at the age of 91.
The powerful serving left-hander passed away on Tuesday with Tennis Australia confirming the sad news.
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Fraser reached tennis’ pinnacle in 1959 when he was ranked the best men’s player in the world.
Throughout an illustrious career, Fraser won the US Open (1959, 1960) and Wimbledon (1960) but it was in the doubles arena where he really excelled.
Fraser added an extraordinary 16 grand slam crowns to his trophy cabinet to finish his career with 19 titles to his name.
After news of his passing, tributes began pouring in on social media with former players and fans heartbroken by the death.
Tennis Australia wrote on X: “A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world. Vale Neale Fraser.”
Tennis great Paul McNamee wrote: “Vale Neale Fraser, Wimbledon & US Open singles champ & our wonderful Davis Cup captain. If there’s one person who embodied Davis Cup, it was Frase. Condolences to his beautiful wife Thea, and to his extended family. The tennis world thanks you deeply, and will miss you Frase.”
Stephen Quartermain wrote: Another sad day for Australian sport. Vale Neale Fraser.”
Craig Gabriel wrote: “I am so, so incredibly sad to hear the great Neale Fraser has passed away. Praise as we all called him because he loved strawberries (French for strawberries). Thoughts are with Thea and his family. RIP friend.”
Fraser represented Australia in the Davis Cup from 1959-62 before taking over as the captain from 1970 until 1994.
He held the position for 24 campaigns in which time the Australians claimed four Davis Cup trophies in 1973, 1977, 1983, and 1986.
“I could never think of anything better than representing your country,” Fraser often said according to Tennis Australia.
Fraser was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994.
In 2008, Fraser received the International Tennis Federation’s Philippe Chatrier Award for outstanding achievement in tennis.
He also served as President of the Australian Davis Cup Tennis Foundation from 1997 until 2019.
