Vale Fred Stolle: Tennis in mourning after death of Australian great
Australian sport is mourning the death of former world No. 1 and tennis hall of famer Fred Stolle at the age of 86. Leave your tributes to the Aussie sporting legend inside.
Australian sport and the tennis world is mourning the death of former world No. 1 and commentator Fred Stolle aged 86.
Friends and colleagues had begun paying tribute to the two-time grand slam singles champion and a man who was widely recognised as a voice of the game through his commentary career with Fox Sports, Nine Network and CBS.
Tennis Australia confirmed Stolle’s death with a statement on their website and CEO Craig Tiley described him as an iconic figure both in Australian tennis and on the international stage.
“When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the progression from amateur to professionalism, Stolle’s name is right up there with the best,” Tiley said.
“A star member of Australia’s Davis Cup team, Fred made significant contributions to the sport following his decorated career, as a coach and astute commentator.
“His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis. His impact on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Fred’s family and friends during this sad time.”
Former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee posted on social media: “Fiery Fred Stolle is no longer with us. What a player, what a commentator, what a bloke. One of that great group of Aussie tennis players who made history, and whose legacy is perhaps unrivalled. Thank you Fred for your wit, your friendshil and for just being you. We’ll miss you,” McNamee wrote on X.
Renowned tennis media expert Craig Gabriel also paid tribute to Stolle.
“Devastated to hear of the passing of Fred “Fiery” Stolle. What a great player and champion, a wonderful person and a lovely friend. I am so, so sad. Fred was 86.”
ABC radio broadcaster Quentin Hull was another media figure to share his thoughts on the passing of his former colleague.
“Fred Stolle – what can you say,” Hull wrote on X.
“His voice was the sound of Wimbledon in my youth and I was privileged to share the mic with him at many Hopman Cups.
“Another of the golden generation who kept contributing to tennis post a brilliant playing career.
“True gentleman. RIP Firey.”
Stolle enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning two singles grand slam titles, 10 doubles grand slam titles and seven mixed doubles grand slam titles.
He won the French Open in 1965 and the US Open the following year. He played in three consecutive Wimbledon finals and two consecutive Australian Open finals without success.
A triple Davis Cup champion for Australia, in 1988 he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
He is survived by wife Pat, son Sandon, and daughters Monique and Nadine.
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