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Rod Laver's poignant tribute to Neale Fraser after tennis rocked by death of Aussie legend

The tennis world is mourning the death of one of the greats of the sport.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

Rod Laver has led the tributes to Neale Fraser after the Aussie tennis legend's death on Tuesday at age 91. Widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest tennis players, Fraser is being remembered fondly from all corners of the globe.

The former World No.1 won 19 grand slam titles in his career - three in singles and 16 in doubles. He won all three titles at the US Open in 1959 - singles, doubles and mixed doubles - and was crowned Wimbledon singles champion in 1960.

He also led Australia to glory in Davis Cup eight times and captained the national team. Fellow Aussie great Pat Cash said on Tuesday: "He was like a father to me. He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best."

Neale Fraser with Rod Laver, Ash Barty and Ken Rosewall.
Rod Laver has led the tributes to Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser (far left). Image: Getty/AAP

Laver, who was beaten by Fraser in Wimbledon and US final finals, paid tribute to "my dear mate and fellow lefty". Laver wrote on social media: "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 two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. I'll miss you dearly, buddy."

Rod Laver and Neale Fraser, pictured here at Wimbledon in 1960.
Rod Laver and Neale Fraser at Wimbledon in 1960. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley called Fraser "a true icon of our sport", adding: "His passion for tennis and dedication to representing Australia inspired generations of players and fans. A legend of our sport who lived and breathed tennis. With 19 grand slam titles and 8 Davis Cup victories his achievements were extraordinary. On behalf of Tennis Australia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Thea, his family, and his many friends."

Rod Laver, Ashley Cooper, Roy Emerson and Neale Fraser.
Australian tennis legends Rod Laver, Ashley Cooper, Roy Emerson and Neale Fraser at the Australian Open in 2017. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Paul McNamee wrote: "If there’s one person who embodied Davis Cup, it was Frase. Condolences to his beautiful wife Thea, and to his extended family. The tennis world thanks you deeply, and will miss you Frase."

While broadcaster Quentin Hull added: "Neale Fraser was a wonderfully kind human. I didn’t see his career but I saw how he was loved by his peers. His playing record speaks for itself. We called many nights at Australian Open together in my early days and they are among my most cherished on air memories. RIP great man."

After helping Australia claim four successive Davis Cup titles from 1959 to 1962, the Melbourne-born Fraser wrote perhaps his greatest legacy as captain. He held the captaincy for a record 24 years from 1970 to 1993, helping Australia to four finals triumphs - in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986 - and recording 55 wins from 75 ties played.

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And he did it all the while sitting court-side in his famous chair and terry towelling hat. "I could never think of anything better than representing your country," he often said.

Fraser ultimately became one of just 20 men to win all four majors in doubles, and was elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984. Roy Emerson, who was one of his doubles partners, described Fraser as 'a General' on the court.

with agencies