### Australian Tennis Legend Fred Stolle Passes Away at 86, Leaving a Lasting Legacy Fred Stolle, a prominent figure in the world of tennis, has died at the age of 86. Known for his remarkable achievements on the court, Stolle won 19 Grand Slam titles, including two singles championships at the US Open and French Open. His contributions to tennis extended beyond his playing career, as he also served as a coach, club professional, and television commentator, becoming a beloved figure in Australian sports history. Stolle was a key player during Australia's golden era in tennis, helping the nation secure three consecutive Davis Cup victories from 1964 to 1966. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow athletes alike, highlighting his extraordinary skill and character in the sport [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/09/obituaries/fred-stolle-dead.html, https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/fred-stolle-a-tennis-legend-passes-away-at-86]. ### Overview of Fred Stolle's Career and Impact 1. **Playing Career**: - Stolle was a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, winning the US Open in 1966 and the French Open in 1964. - He also secured 17 major doubles titles, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/mar/6/tennis-legend-australia-fred-stolle-died-86]. 2. **Davis Cup Contributions**: - He played a pivotal role in Australia's Davis Cup success, contributing to three consecutive victories from 1964 to 1966, solidifying his status as a key player during a dominant era for Australian tennis [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/06/fred-stolle-australian-tennis-great-and-dual-grand-slam-champion-dies-aged-86]. 3. **Post-Playing Career**: - After retiring from professional play, Stolle transitioned into a successful career as a commentator, working with major networks such as CBS and Fox Sports, where he shared his insights and passion for the game with audiences for nearly 50 years [https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/sports-news-australian-tennis-great-fred-stolle-has-died-at-age-86-6690231.html]. 4. **Legacy and Tributes**: - Stolle's impact on tennis and Australian sports is profound, with many tributes highlighting his fiery spirit and dedication to the game. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley referred to him as an "iconic figure" in the sport [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australian-great-fiery-fred-stolle-dies-aged-86-4981221]. ### Summary of Fred Stolle's Contributions and Legacy - **Major Achievements**: - **Grand Slam Titles**: 2 singles titles (US Open, French Open) and 17 doubles titles. - **Davis Cup**: Integral part of three consecutive winning teams (1964-1966). - **Post-Career Influence**: - Long-standing television commentator, influencing generations of tennis fans and players. - **Cultural Impact**: - Remembered as a key figure in the golden age of Australian tennis, Stolle's legacy continues to inspire future athletes. In conclusion, **Fred Stolle's passing marks the end of an era in tennis**, but his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations. His achievements on the court and his role as a commentator have left an indelible mark on tennis history, and he will be sorely missed by fans and players alike [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2023245/fred-stolle-dead-tennis-legend-dies-86-rod-laver].