The tennis world is mourning the loss of Australian champion Fred Stolle, a two-time Grand Slam singles winner and one of the sport’s most respected figures, who passed away at the age of 86.
Stolle, known for his powerful game and sportsmanship, won the French Open in 1965 and the US Open in 1966, cementing his place among the tennis greats. He also reached the finals of six other Grand Slam singles events, including three Wimbledon finals, narrowly missing out on adding to his title haul. However, his dominance extended beyond singles, as he captured an impressive 10 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and seven mixed doubles crowns, showcasing his versatility on the court.
The Australian Tennis Federation paid tribute to Stolle, calling him “one of the sport’s great players and characters.” CEO Craig Tiley reflected on his contributions, stating, “When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the transition from amateur to professional tennis, Stolle’s name stands tall among the best. His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for the sport.”
Stolle was part of an elite group of Australian tennis icons—including Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall, and John Newcombe—who dominated the game during the late amateur and early professional eras. His patriotism shone through as he helped Australia secure Davis Cup victories in 1964, 1965, and 1966, describing the opportunity to represent his country as “everything to me.”
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After retiring, Stolle transitioned seamlessly into coaching and later became a beloved tennis commentator, sharing his deep knowledge of the game with fans worldwide. His former rival and friend, Rod Laver, paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing him as “too nice a guy to hold a grudge” and reminiscing about their shared journeys through the sport.
Former Australian doubles star Paul McNamee also honored Stolle’s memory, calling him “a great player, a brilliant commentator, and an even better person. He was part of a legendary group of Australian tennis players whose impact remains unmatched.”
Stolle’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to tennis will forever be remembered, both in Australia and around the world.
