Australian tennis player Fred Stolle has died at age 86

Former Australian tennis champion Fred Stolle. File.
| Picture Credit score: AP

Fred Stolle, a two-time main winner and member of three Davis Cup-winning groups, has died, Tennis Australia mentioned Thursday. He was 86.

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley described Stolle as an “iconic determine” in tennis as a participant and later as a commentator for Australia’s 9 Community and for CBS and Fox Sports activities. Tiley didn’t present a reason for loss of life.

Tiley mentioned Stolle was a part of Australia’s profitable period within the Sixties as tennis progressed from an newbie to knowledgeable sport.

“His legacy is certainly one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis,” Tiley mentioned. “His affect on the game shall be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions.

“A star member of Australia’s Davis Cup group, Fred made important contributions to the game following his embellished profession, as a coach and astute commentator.”

Stolle misplaced the primary 5 Grand Slam singles finals he reached — together with 4 occasions to fellow Australian Roy Emerson — earlier than beating Tony Roche to win the 1965 French Open. He gained the U.S. Open in 1966, beating John Newcombe within the closing, and held the No. 1 rating.

He gained 10 males’s doubles titles at Grand Slams from 1962-69. He additionally gained seven blended doubles on the majors.

Stolle was born in Sydney however lived in america after his enjoying profession.

Tennis Australia mentioned Stolle is survived by his spouse, Pat, his son Sandon — a former tennis skilled — and daughters Monique and Nadine.

Rod Laver, an Australian who gained 11 main titles together with the calendar-year Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969, posted a tribute to Stolle on X.

“As I wrote in my e-book on the Golden Period of Aussie tennis, Fred Stolle was too good a man to carry a grudge. He gained many Grand Slams and was within the finals of many extra. It took the perfect to beat the perfect,” Laver posted. “We by no means uninterested in reliving the previous as we travelled the world trying into the longer term with a permanent love of the game.”