‘You will be missed, Fiery’: Tennis world mourns loss of Aussie legend (86)
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Tennis has seen its fair share of legends—players who not only dominated the court but left an indelible mark on the sport itself.
One such figure, known for his brilliance in both competition and commentary, has left the tennis world in mourning.
His impact spanned generations, from his achievements on the court to his unmistakable presence in the broadcast booth.
The tennis world is mourning the loss of Fred Stolle, a celebrated player and commentator, who passed away at 86.
Nicknamed ‘Fiery’—a name that was as memorable as it was ironic—Stolle’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow players, including close friend and former teammate Rod Laver.
Born in Hornsby, New South Wales, in 1938, Stolle initially pursued cricket and rugby union before shifting his focus to tennis after working as a ball boy at a Davis Cup tie in 1951.
He climbed the ranks of the sport and endured a string of near-misses, losing five consecutive Grand Slam finals before finally securing victory at the 1965 French Open.
The following year, he added a US Open singles title to his name, though his greatest successes came in doubles, where he won 10 men’s titles and seven mixed doubles crowns.
Stolle played a key role in Australia’s Davis Cup dominance, helping the nation secure three consecutive titles from 1964 to 1966.
Reflecting on his time in the competition, he once said: ‘To play for Australia meant everything to me.’
After retiring from competitive play, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, earning a reputation for his sharp insight and wit alongside commentators like John Newcombe and Tony Trabert.
Laver, also 86, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: ‘As I wrote in my book on the Golden Era of Aussie tennis, 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.’
Paul McNamee, a former world No. 1 in doubles, also honoured Stolle’s legacy, saying: ‘Fiery Fred Stolle is no longer with us. 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.’
Liz Smylie, who won the 1985 Wimbledon doubles title, echoed similar sentiments, remembering him as ‘a champion player and person whose knowledge, generosity and expertise in the booth was legendary. He’ll be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.’
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia’s chief executive, highlighted Stolle’s place in history, stating: ‘When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the progression from amateur to professional, Stolle’s name is right up there with the best. RIP Fiery.’
Sports journalist Christopher Clarey described Stolle as ‘one of the very good ones,’ adding, ‘Did so much for tennis at home in Australia and abroad. An iconic player and commentator. I enjoyed all of our conversations. He was great company.’
Stolle is survived by his wife, Pat, son Sandon—who also pursued a professional tennis career—and daughters Monique and Nadine.
To see more on Fred Stolle’s incredible career and the impact he had on the tennis world, watch the video below.
Stolle’s legacy as both a champion and a commentator will continue to inspire tennis fans for generations.
May he rest in peace.
One such figure, known for his brilliance in both competition and commentary, has left the tennis world in mourning.
His impact spanned generations, from his achievements on the court to his unmistakable presence in the broadcast booth.
The tennis world is mourning the loss of Fred Stolle, a celebrated player and commentator, who passed away at 86.
Nicknamed ‘Fiery’—a name that was as memorable as it was ironic—Stolle’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow players, including close friend and former teammate Rod Laver.
Born in Hornsby, New South Wales, in 1938, Stolle initially pursued cricket and rugby union before shifting his focus to tennis after working as a ball boy at a Davis Cup tie in 1951.
He climbed the ranks of the sport and endured a string of near-misses, losing five consecutive Grand Slam finals before finally securing victory at the 1965 French Open.
The following year, he added a US Open singles title to his name, though his greatest successes came in doubles, where he won 10 men’s titles and seven mixed doubles crowns.
Stolle played a key role in Australia’s Davis Cup dominance, helping the nation secure three consecutive titles from 1964 to 1966.
Reflecting on his time in the competition, he once said: ‘To play for Australia meant everything to me.’
After retiring from competitive play, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, earning a reputation for his sharp insight and wit alongside commentators like John Newcombe and Tony Trabert.
Laver, also 86, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: ‘As I wrote in my book on the Golden Era of Aussie tennis, 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.’
Paul McNamee, a former world No. 1 in doubles, also honoured Stolle’s legacy, saying: ‘Fiery Fred Stolle is no longer with us. 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.’
Liz Smylie, who won the 1985 Wimbledon doubles title, echoed similar sentiments, remembering him as ‘a champion player and person whose knowledge, generosity and expertise in the booth was legendary. He’ll be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.’
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia’s chief executive, highlighted Stolle’s place in history, stating: ‘When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the progression from amateur to professional, Stolle’s name is right up there with the best. RIP Fiery.’
Sports journalist Christopher Clarey described Stolle as ‘one of the very good ones,’ adding, ‘Did so much for tennis at home in Australia and abroad. An iconic player and commentator. I enjoyed all of our conversations. He was great company.’
Stolle is survived by his wife, Pat, son Sandon—who also pursued a professional tennis career—and daughters Monique and Nadine.
To see more on Fred Stolle’s incredible career and the impact he had on the tennis world, watch the video below.
Stolle’s legacy as both a champion and a commentator will continue to inspire tennis fans for generations.
May he rest in peace.
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Mr Stolle gone but your name will live on
