'A true gem': Rod Laver's heartfelt tribute to Neale Fraser following death of former world No.1
Updated . First published at
Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser, a former world No.1 who won 19 Grand Slam titles during the amateur era, has died. He was 91.
The big-serving left-hander won both the US Open (1959, 1960) and Wimbledon (1960) singles championships and was ranked the best men's player in the world in 1959.
But he enjoyed even more success in the doubles arena, where he won a further 16 Grand Slams.
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Neale Fraser, who won 19 Grand Slam titles, has died at the age of 91. Frank Albert Charles Burke/Fairfax Media
Tributes flowed for Fraser on Tuesday as news of his death spread, with arguably Australia's greatest ever player, Rod Laver describing him as a "true gem".
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser," Laver wrote in a post 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.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to Thea and Neale's extended family. I'll miss you dearly buddy. Rest in peace."
He also represented Australia as a player in the Davis Cup from 1955-63, before captaining the team for more than 20 years after his retirement, leading the team to four titles.
Fraser was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994, 10 years after he had been added to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
He was also inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1986, and chaired that same organisation from 1997 until 2005.
Neale Fraser presents the Hopman Cup trophy to Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic. Getty
"I could never think of anything better than representing your country," Fraser often said.
Tennis Australia said Fraser learned to play on the clay courts next door to his childhood home in Melbourne and developed a game built around a "thunderous left-handed serve."
"As a cricket fan he watched how leg-spin bowlers turned the ball in different directions by cocking their wrists and he adapted this 'googly' approach to his serve," TA said in its tribute.
Australian tennis player Neale Fraser in action on the centre court at Wimbledon. Getty
Generations of players were inspired by his leadership including John Newcombe, John Fitzgerald and Pat Cash.
"He was like a father to me. He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best," Cash said.
Fraser is survived by his wife Thea.
- with Sam Worthington
