Former Wimbledon champion Neale Fraser has died aged 91.
The Australian won the Wimbledon singles title in 1960 and the US National Championships in 1959 and 1960, when tennis was still an amateur sport.
He also won eleven Slam titles in men's doubles and five mixed doubles titles and became world number one in men's singles in 1959.
Fraser was a member of four victorious Davis Cup teams as a player before captaining Australia for 24 years, winning the competition four more times.
“A true legend of Australian tennis who will be missed by so many around the world,” Tennis Australia said.
Fraser defeated his compatriot Rod Laver to win the Wimbledon and US titles in 1960.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and fellow leftist Neale Fraser,” Laver said.
“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 beat me in two grand finals and made me become a better player. My deepest condolences go out.” [his wife] Thea and Neale's extended family. I'll miss you a lot, buddy. Rest in peace.
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash was part of the Australian team that won the Davis Cup in 1983 and 1986 under Fraser, who was like a father to him.
Cash added, “He just knew how to make you feel important and do your best.”
