Australian star and long-time Davis Cup captain Neale Fraser has died aged 91

Australian tennis star Neale Fraser, the former world number one and Davis Cup captain of the Green and Gold for almost a quarter of a century, has died aged 91.

Tennis Australia confirmed Fraser’s death on Tuesday. The governing body said the course had “lost one of its giants”.

The left-handed Fraser won 19 Grand Slam titles during his illustrious playing career, including three singles titles, a string of US Open triumphs and 11 major men’s doubles titles.

He was unstoppable at the US Open in 1959 and 1960, winning the singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles titles with stunning performances, while he also won the Wimbledon singles title in 1960 after beating fellow Australian Rod Laver in the final defeated.

Fraser also helped Australia to four consecutive Davis Cup victories starting in 1959.

He had hoped to one day follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Harry Hopman and lead the national team as captain, and his dream became a reality in 1970.

“He remained in that position until 1993, overseeing 24 Davis Cup campaigns in which Australia won the title four times,” Tennis Australia said in a statement, adding that “generations of players have been inspired by his leadership.”

Laver expressed his condolences after the death of his long-time friend and sometimes opponent on the pitch.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my dear friend and fellow leftist Neale Fraser,” Laver wrote 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 beat me in two grand finals and pushed me to a better one to become a player.

“My sincerest condolences go out to Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you a lot, buddy. Rest in peace.”

Former Australian doubles world number one Paul McNamee also paid tribute to Fraser on social media.

“Vale Neale Fraser, Wimbledon and US Open singles champion and our wonderful Davis Cup captain,” he posted.

“If there is one person who embodied the Davis Cup, it was Frase…The tennis world thanks you deeply and will miss you.”

Fraser was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and was awarded the International Tennis Federation’s Philippe Chatrier Award in 2008 for outstanding achievement in the sport.