Tennis Australia has announced the death of multiple Grand Slam champion Neale Fraser who also captained his country’s Davis Cup team for over two decades.
In a statement, the governing body confirmed Fraser’s death at the age of 91 and said the court “has lost one of its giants.” He was one of Australia’s best tennis players during the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning 19 major titles in both singles and doubles. He was also ranked world No.1 in singles in 1959.
Fraser’s contribution to tennis was widely recognized after his retirement. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984, the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 2008 he was awarded the International Tennis Federation’s Philippe Chatrier Award for outstanding achievement in tennis.
“Neale Fraser was a true icon of our sport, both as a competitor and as a leader,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
“His passion for tennis and dedication to representing Australia inspired generations of players and fans.
“I’ve been truly fortunate to work closely with Frase and he was never afraid to voice his opinion and offer his extraordinary insight on the players and the sport, particularly the Davis Cup – he was a force to be reckoned with.
“We will forever remember his extraordinary contributions on and off the court and pass on our sincere condolences to Thea, his family and friends.”
Two out of the three Grand Slam singles titles won by Fraser saw him beat fellow tennis great Rod Laver in the final. Both of those victories took place in 1960 at Wimbledon and the US Championships.
“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.”
One of the rarest milestones he achieved during his career was the ‘triple-double’ at the US Championships, which is now known as the US Open. In 1959 and 1960, he won the men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles. No other player has managed to achieve this since.
After retiring from playing, Fraser became Australia’s Davis Cup captain for 24 years from 1970 and guided his country to winning the country four times – 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986. He also won the event four other times while taking part as a player.
Fraser is survived by his wife, Thea.
