Australia’s two Grand Slam singles champions and 17 major doubles trophy champions Fred Stolle died. He is 86 years old.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said Stoll was a “signature” for tennis players and later a commentator for nine Australian networks and ABC. The tiles provide no cause of death.
As tennis evolved from amateur to professional sports, the legacy of 1.91 meters (6-foot-3) is part of Australia’s success era.
In short, he was nicknamed “Fiery Fred” or “Fiery”, and he lost the singles finals of the first five Grand Slams, four of which entered fellow Australian Roy Emerson. He also entered the Wimbledon finals in 1963, 1964 and 1965.
He broke his least favorite surface at Clay at the 1965 French Championships, beating Tony Roche in the final.
“I lost to Emmo, but I feel comfortable with anyone else I feel comfortable with. The French are not the ones I should win, but it’s exciting for me,” Stoll told the Tennis Channel.
He became the second seedless champion in another All-Australian final at the 1966 US Championships at Forest Hills. Neucomb has no seeds either. Stoll beat three seeds to reach the finals. He has since been ranked first and has become a professional player.
From 1962-69, he won 10 men’s doubles titles at Grand Slams, Bob Hewitt and Emerson and two with Ken Rosewall to win 4 men’s doubles titles. He is one of the few who wins all four doubles majors.
Stoll also won seven mixed doubles majors, including Margaret Court, Lesley Turner Bowrey and Ann Haydon Jones.
He won the Davis Cup in 1964, 1965 and 1966. His most famous victory was in Cleveland in 1964, 2-1 in Australia, where he defeated American Dennis Ralston 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6, 9-11, 6-4. The following year, he launched the Australian defense by overcoming Spain’s Manolo Santana 10-12, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-5.
Stolle directed US Vitas Gerulaitis to the 1977 Australian Open and will continue to play singles on the tour until 1982.
Tilly said: “His legacy is excellence, dedication and a deep love for tennis. His influence on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all those who have the honor of witnessing his contribution.
“Fred is a star member of the Australian Davis Cup team and has made a significant contribution to the sport as a coach and savvy commentator after his decorating career.”
Australian Rod Laver won 11 major titles, including the Calendar Year Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, paying tribute to Stolle on X.
“As I wrote in my book on the Golden Age of Tennis in Australia, Fred Stolle is so good, one person is resentful. He won many Grand Slams and won the finals in the finals of more people. Best beat the best.” Laver posted. “When we travel the world with a lasting love for the sport, we never get tired of the past.”
Stolle was born in Sydney but lived in the United States after his career.
Tennis Australia says Stor’s wife Pat and son Sandon (U.S. Open tag team champion) and daughters Monique and Nadine survive.
