Former Wimbledon champion who received 19 Grand Slams dies as tributes pour in

On Dec 3, 2024

A former Wimbledon Champion and tennis World No.1 Neale Fraser has passed away at the age of 91.

The news of the Australian tennis icon’s passing was announced on Tuesday morning.

The 19-time Grand Slam winner still remains the last man to have completed the triple crown in tennis. This requires the player to win the singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at a Grand Slam tournament. It’s even more impressive knowing that Fraser did this on back-to-back occasions, both at the US Nationals in 1959 and 1960. The Aussie also led his country in the Davis Cup for a record 24 years.

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Tributes to the tennis icon poured in following the announcement, with fellow Aussie legend and former rival Rod Laver sharing on X: “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. Neal bested me in 2 major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My heartfelt condolences go out to Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy. Rest in peace.”

Rod Laver and Neale Fraser were Australian tennis rivals
(Image: @rodlaver (X))

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Tennis Australia also took to X to share their feelings as they wrote: “A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world. Vale Neale Fraser.”

Paul McNamee, former doubles World No.1 said: “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.”

A member of Frasers’ Australian team Pat Cash added: “He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best.” Cash won the Davis Cup twice under Fraser.

Fans of the sport have also had their say on the sad passing with one fan writing: “Neal Fraser was a wonderfully kind human. I didn’t see his career but I saw how he was loved by his peers.

“His playing record speaks for itself… RIP great man.” A second fan said: “… Just two weeks ago Neal Fraser was in Malaga, Spain supporting the Aussies in the Davis Cup. He lived and died doing exactly as he wanted. For the love of the game.”

Fraser entered the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2008, the former Tennis legend was awarded with the highest honour given by the International Tennis Federation: the Phillippe Chartier Award, given for outstanding achievements in tennis.