Aussie tennis great Fred Stolle passes away at 86

Fred Stolle, the Australian tennis great who won two Grand Slam singles titles and played a key role in the nation's dominance of the sport in the 1960s, has died at the age of 86.

Stolle won the French Open in 1965 and the US Open in 1966, reaching six other Grand Slam finals, including three at Wimbledon. He also secured 10 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and seven mixed doubles crowns.

Tennis Australia described Stolle as "one of its great players and characters." CEO Craig Tiley said Stolle’s name was synonymous with the transition from amateur to professional tennis.

"His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis," Tiley said. "His impact on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions."

Stolle was part of an Australian generation that dominated men’s tennis, competing alongside Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, and John Newcombe. He helped Australia win the Davis Cup in 1964, 1965, and 1966, later transitioning to coaching and commentary.

Laver, the only man to win all four Grand Slam titles in a single year during the Open era, paid tribute to Stolle on X.

"It took the best to beat the best," Laver wrote. "We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world looking into the future with an enduring love of the sport."

Former Australian doubles player Paul McNamee also honoured Stolle’s contributions.

"What a player, what a commentator, what a bloke," McNamee said. "One of that great group of Aussie tennis players who made history, and whose legacy is perhaps unrivalled."