Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle passed away at age of 86

Fred Stolle (YouTube)

One of the most notable Australian tennis players of all-time, Fred Stolle of Hornsby, Australia, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday according to the ATP Tour. I was made aware of Stolle’s passing during Novak Djokovic’s press conference at Indian Wells on Thursday, when he said the following, “It is sad news. His legacy will live on for a long time.”

Stolle’s legacy was just not on the tennis court, but in the broadcast booth as well. He had been with Australia’s Channel Nine Network for many years.

Stolle won two grand slam titles. He won the 1965 French Open and the 1966 United States Open. In the 1965 French Open final, Stolle beat Australia’s Tony Roche of Turramurra, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. At the time the French Open was technically called the French Championship. From 1965 to 1969, it was an all-Australian final in France four times in five years. Then at the 1966 United States Championship, Stolle beat fellow Australian John Newcombe, 4-6, 12-10, 6-3, 6-4.

In men’s doubles, Stolle was a 10-time grand slam champion. He teamed up with Bob Hewitt of Dubbo, to win Wimbledon in 1962, the 1963 and 1964 Australian Championship, and 1964 Wimbledon. Stolle then teamed up with Roy Emerson of Blackbutt to win the 1965 French Championship, the 1965 and 1966 United States Championship, and the 1966 Australian Championship. Stolle’s final two grand slam doubles titles were with Ken Rosewall of Sydney (the 1968 French Open and 1969 United States Open).

Stolle was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island in 1985. He is also a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1988), and received the Order of Australia (2005).

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