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Australia's Davis Cup icon Fraser dies at 91

December 04, 2024 00:00:00


MELBOURNE, Dec 03 (Reuters): Australia's long-serving Davis Cup captain Neale Fraser, who won three Grand Slam singles titles during the country's golden era of tennis in the 1950s and 1960s, has died at 91.

A contemporary of Rod Laver, Lew Hoad and Roy Emerson, Fraser won Wimbledon in 1960 and back-to-back US national titles in 1959-60 along with 16 Grand Slam championships in men's and mixed doubles.

A member of four victorious Davis Cup teams from 1959-62 under the charge of Harry Hopman, Fraser would go on to become captain of the team in 1970, holding the position for a record 24 years.

Fraser guided Australia to the Davis Cup titles in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser," Laver, his former Davis Cup teammate and 11-times Grand Slam champion, posted on X.

"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."

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, a member of Australia's triumphant Davis Cup teams in 1983 and 1986, said Fraser was like a father to him.


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