Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle has died at the age of 86. The 6ft 3in right-hander won two Grand Slam singles titles in the 1960s and 10 more in doubles during a glittering career which spanned the end of the amateur era and the start of the professional.
Alongside his French Open triumph in 1965 and US Open victory the following year, Stolle reached six other Grand Slam finals. Three of those came at Wimbledon, where he lost out in consecutive years between 1963 and 1965. Nicknamed ‘Fiery’, Stolle and fellow Aussies Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Roy Emerson and John Newcombe were once the major powers in the men’s game.
Stolle, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985, helped Australia to Davis Cup glory in three consecutive years during the 1960s. He took his talent and know-how into coaching and commentary after retiring from his playing career in 1976.
Laver, who enjoyed countless battles with Stolle over the years, said of his compatriot on X: “Fred Stolle was too nice a guy to hold a grudge. He won many Grand Slams and was in the finals of many more.
“It took the best to beat the best. We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world looking into the future with an enduring love of the sport. You will be missed, Fiery, RIP.”
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley added: “When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the progression from amateur to professionalism, Stolle’s name is right up there with the best. His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis. His impact on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions.”
Melbourne-born former doubles star Paul McNamee also commemorated Stolle on social media, writing: “What a player, what a commentator, what a bloke.
“One of that great group of Aussie tennis players who made history, and whose legacy is perhaps unrivalled. Thank you Fred for your wit, your friendship and for just being you. We’ll miss you.”
And prominent coach Roger Rasheed, who has worked with the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Grigor Dimitrov, added: “Always enjoyed time talking with Fred and his story telling of the past legends. Thoughts with the whole Stolle family.”
