by The Australian 19-time Grand Slam winner and legendary tennis commentator Fred Stolle died at the age of 86, the officials said on Thursday and welcomed his “excellence, commitment and a profound love for tennis”.
In 1965 Stolle won the French Open and US Open a year later and was a three-time Wimbledon finalist.
But his greatest success came in the double dish, where he demanded 17 slam crowns and won all four men’s major at least twice.
Stolle became a respected broadcaster, who is known as “The Voice of Tennis” for generations of fans, nine Network and American Networks Fox Sports and ESPN in Australia.
Craig Tiley, head of Tennis Australia, described Stolley as an iconic figure in both Australia and on the international stage.
“When we talk about the golden era of Australia and the progress of amateur to professionalism, Stolle’s name is right up there,” he said.
“Fred, a Star member of the Australia -davis Cup team, made significant contributions to sport after his decorated career as a trainer and clever commentator.
“His legacy is an excellence, commitment and a deep love of tennis.
Stolle was part of the three triumphant Australian Davis Cup teams (1964-66) and the long-time coach of Vitas Gerulaitis-and the Americans, who triumphed at the Australian Open in 1977.
MP/PST
