Neale Fraser, the icon of Australian tennis who was the last man winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at a single grand slam, has died at the age of 91. Tennis Australia announced Tuesday.
Fraser has won 19 Grand Slam tournaments, including singles titles at Wimbledon and the American National Championships, precursors of US Open – but we especially remember his success with the Australian team Davis Cup team. During a golden era for Australia in the sport, the left-hander was a key member of the team that won four consecutive titles between 1959 and 1962.
In 1959, Fraser won the Triple Crown – singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles – at the United States National Championships, a race that helped him become world No. 1 in men’s singles. The following year, he achieved the same feat again, beating Rod Laver in the singles final after having already beaten his legendary compatriot in the final at Wimbledon earlier that year.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear companion and fellow left-hander, Neale Fraser,” Laver wrote onformerly known as Twitter. “He was a true gem in the golden age of Australian tennis legends – an incredible world number 1, Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup icon.
“Neale beat me in 2 major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My deepest condolences go out to Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’m going to miss you a lot, buddy. Rest in peace.”
Alongside Laver and Roy Emerson, Fraser won four consecutive Davis Cups in the late 1950s and early 1960s, remaining an amateur in the hope of succeeding Harry Hopman as captain.
When he finally did so in 1970, Fraser won four more Davis Cup titles before retiring in 1993. During his captaincy, he oversaw the emergence of players like John Newcombe, John Fitzgerald and Pat Cash, Wimbledon winner in 1987.
“He was like a father to me” Cash said.who won the Davis Cup under Fraser in 1983 and 1986. “He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best. »
Fraser was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2008 he received the International Tennis Federation’s Philippe Chatrier Award for outstanding service to the sport.
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