Australian tennis icon Neale Fraser has passed away at the age of 91.
Fraser was a winner of 19 Grand Slam titles during his time as a player across both singles and doubles.
Overall at Grand Slams, Fraser was a three-time singles winner, 11-time doubles champion and a five-time mixed doubles victor.
But it was representing Australia at the Davis Cup where Fraser found his most joy.
Fraser was part of an Australian side that won four consecutive Davis Cup titles between 1959 and 1962, before going on to set the record for the longest stint as captain.
During his 24 years as skipper, the Aussies managed another four Davis Cup title wins, lifting the cup in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986.
“I could never think of anything better than representing your country,” was a regular mantra of the Melbourne-born ace.
Fraser was renowned for his left-hand serve that had been modelled on cricket players in his native Australia.
He was believed to have been mesmerised with the way bowlers manipulated their wrists to mask a ‘googly’ delivery, with Fraser adopting this technique for his serve.
He reached world No.1 status in 1959 and despite several lucrative offers to turn professional, Fraser remained amateur throughout his career.
Tributes have been flooding in for the tennis star, with old foe Rod Laver posting 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.
“Neale 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.”
Paul McNamee also shared a social media tribute, saying: “Vale Neale Fraser, Wimbledon & US Open singles champ & our wonderful Davis Cup captain. If there’s one person who embodied (the) Davis Cup, it was Frase … The tennis world thanks you deeply, and will miss you”
Fraser became a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984, as well as the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame 10 years later in 1994.
In 2008 Fraser was given the ITF’s Philippe Chatrier Award for outstanding achievement in tennis.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk