‘True legend’ of tennis Neale Fraser farewelled at state funeral
Australian tennis icon Neale Fraser has been farewelled at a state funeral with greats of the sport, including Roger Federer, paying tribute to the 19-time grand slam winner.
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Aussie tennis legend Neale Fraser has been remembered as a “lion-hearted yet humble” great of the game who inspired future generations of stars and shared a lifelong love of his country.
The 19-time grand slam winner and four-time Davis Cup winning captain was farewelled at a state funeral in Melbourne on Wednesday morning.
Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life packed St Patrick’s Cathedral to pay their respects.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley, past and present Aussie players, politicians and sporting heavyweights joined family and friends at the service celebrating Fraser who died, aged 91, earlier this month.
In an emotional eulogy, fellow Hall of Famer John Fitzgerald said Fraser “transcended tennis’’, “bled green and gold”, “met kings and queens’’ and “was also a character”.
“There was always a genuine care about the game of tennis, especially Australian tennis and Australian players,’’ he said.
“And he wanted us all to do well.’’
Fitzgerald read a note from tennis legend Roger Federer to Fraser’s widow Thea that said he and his generation “set an incredible example for the rest of us to follow’’.
“He was a true legend of our sport, and his remarkable achievements and leadership continue to inspire players and fans everywhere’’ Federer’s letter said.
Fitzgerald said Fraser “always called Melbourne home’’ and “loved Victorians”.
“Some interstaters were well known to jovially accuse him of showing bias towards the Vics,’’ he said.
Premer Jacinta Allan said Fraser was “lion-hearted yet humble’’.
“A fierce competitor and a generous teammate, he loved the game but he loved his country even more,’’ she said.
Fraser won 19 titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles across Australian, French, Wimbledon and US championships between 1956 and 1962.
He was the most recent man to complete the triple crown — winning the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles at a Grand Slam tournament — at the 1959 and 1960 US Open.
He captained Australia’s Davis Cup side for an unprecedented 24 years, inspiring generations of green and gold stars and a winning culture which yielded triumphs in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986.
And he was a member of the International Hall of Fame, Australian Tennis Hall of fame and received the Philippe Chatrier Award for outstanding achievements in tennis in 2008.
A photo tribute to Fraser after The Lord’s Prayer was backed by Frank Sinatra’s signature tune “My Way” and Louis Armstrong’s stirring classic “What a Wonderful World.’’
Wimbledon — where Fraser defeated the great Rod Laver to win the 1960 title, sent a video tribute but also asked Aussie 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt to represent the lawn tennis club at the funeral and subsequent wake at Rod Laver Arena.
A panel of Aussie greats including Hewitt, Fitzgerald, Paul McNamee and Todd Woodbridge assembled at the wake told stories of Fraser’s tremendous ability as a player, especially in Davis Cup, but also his passion to help Australians on and off the court.
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