Australian tennis player Neale Fraser, a Davis Cup legend and winner of 19 Grand Slams, has died

Neale Fraser, winner of four Davis Cups as a player and another four as captain of the Australian team, died at the age of 91.

An expert doubles player, Fraser won nineteen Grand Slam titles; two United States tournaments (1959 and 60) and one Wimbledon (1960), in singles, eleven doubles titles and 5 mixed titles, but he will always be remembered for his history with the Davis Cup, being a member of four great teams that won with the title between 1959 and 1962, under the direction of Harry Hopman.

He subsequently became captain of the team in 1970, a position he held for 24 years, during which he led Australia to win the Davis Cup in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986.

His former teammate and eleven-time Grand Slam winner Rod Laver mourned the news on his official X profile: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and fellow left-hander, Neale Fraser.”

“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 major finals, propelling me to become a better player. My condolences to Thea and the extended Neale family. I will miss you very much my friend.

In 2008, Neale Fraser received the Philippe Chatrier Award from the International Tennis Federation in recognition of his lifetime achievement in tennis.

Fraser was part of the Australian Sports Hall of Fame. John Bertrand, president of the organization, bid him farewell with very heartfelt words. “It is with deep sadness that we commemorate the passing of Neale Fraser, a leading figure in Australian sport and an esteemed president of the Australian Sports Hall of Fame. “Neale was not only an extraordinary athlete, but also a man of immense character and leadership.”

“Neale’s legacy as one of Australia’s greatest tennis champions is unparalleled. A master of serve and volley and a fierce competitor, he reached the pinnacle of world tennis, securing multiple Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Beyond his achievements on the court, his passion for team competition, particularly in the Davis Cup, showed his unwavering commitment to the spirit of the game,” he recalled.

Bertrand, award-winning Australian Olympic sailor, highlighted the sporting and institutional role of Fraser. “As Davis Cup captain, Fed Cup leader and contributor to tennis at the Olympic Games, Neale’s impact extended far beyond his playing days, leaving an indelible mark on the sport globally. His tenure “as President of the Hall of Fame from 1997 to 2005 exemplified his dedication to celebrating and fostering the stories of Australia’s sporting heroes.”

“Neale will be deeply missed by his wife Thea, his family and the entire Australian Sports Hall of Fame community in Australia and around the world. His extraordinary life, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire future generations. “We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time,” he said goodbye.

The Australian Tennis Federation and the Open of this country also dedicated messages to him on the networks. “A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by many around the world 💚💛 Neale Fraser.”

Australian Open (Australian Open):

Male Double: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1963 (with Ken Fletcher, Roy Emerson and more)

Mixto: 1961 (with Margaret Court)

Roland Garros (French Open):

Men’s Double: 1959 (with Roy Emerson)

Men’s Double: 1959, 1961 (with Roy Emerson)

Mixed: 1957 (with Darlene Hard)

Men’s Double: 1956, 1961 (with Roy Emerson and Ken Fletcher)

Mixed: 1960 (with Darlene Hard)