Former Wimbledon and US Open champion Neale Fraser has passed on aged 91, Afrosport reports.
The Australian tennis star rose to become the men’s singles world number one in 1959, winning the US National Championships in the same year and in 1960 as well.
Fraser also won the Wimbledon singles title in 1960, where he defeated fellow countryman Rod Laver in the final. He won 11 men’s Grand Slam doubles titles and five mixed doubles majors.
Fraser is the most recent men’s tennis player to have completed the triple crown, having won the singles, doubles and mixed doubled titles at the US National Championships in 1959 and 1960
He was part of the Australian team that dominated the Davis Cup for a four-year period, when they won the tournament in 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962.
Fraser also went on to captain the Australian team in the Davis Cup for 24 years, leading them to another four triumphs in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986, as they amassed 55 wins from 75 ties played.
Fraser is one of only 20 men to have won all four majors in doubles, and he was elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.
Tributes poured in for one of the game’s greatest players as Tennis Australia wrote: “A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world.”
A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world 💚💛
Vale Neale Fraser. pic.twitter.com/AGSAmG8aRJ
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) December 3, 2024
Laver, who faced Fraser in three Grand Slam singles finals and lost twice also paid tribute to his compatriot and friend.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser,” said Laver.
“He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends – an incredible world number one, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon.
“Neale bested me in two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My heartfelt condolences go out to [his wife] Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy. Rest in peace.”
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser. He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends – an incredible World No.1, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon. Neale bested me in 2 major finals, pushing me to… pic.twitter.com/B4cVLEnRUk
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) December 3, 2024
