MELBOURNE, Australia — Tennis Australia announced on Thursday the passing of Fred Stolle, a legendary tennis player known for his exceptional achievements on the court. At 86, Stolle leaves behind a rich legacy of sporting success, including two Grand Slam singles titles and an impressive 17 major doubles trophies.
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, described Stolle as an “iconic figure” both during his time as an athlete and later as a commentator for Australia’s Nine Network and various U.S. broadcasters. While the exact cause of his death was not disclosed, Stolle’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
Standing tall at 6-foot-3, Stolle was a prominent part of Australia’s golden era of tennis in the 1960s, a time when the sport was transitioning from amateur to professional status. Known affectionately as “Fiery Fred,” he initially struggled in Grand Slam singles finals, losing his first five attempts—four of which were to fellow Australian, Roy Emerson. Notably, he came up short in three consecutive Wimbledon finals from 1963 to 1965.
It was on the clay courts at the 1965 French Championships that Stolle finally clinched his first Grand Slam singles title, defeating Tony Roche in the final—a surprising victory given clay was his least favored surface. Reflecting on his achievement, Stolle once shared with the Tennis Channel, “I lost a bunch of those to Emmo, but against anybody else I felt comfortable. The French was not the one I was supposed to win, but it was exciting for me.”
In 1966, at the U.S. Championships in Forest Hills, Stolle turned the tables by defeating John Newcombe, marking him as only the second unseeded player to win the title. His path to victory included wins over three seeded players, which led to his subsequent top ranking and decision to turn professional.
On the doubles front, Stolle amassed 10 Grand Slam titles between 1962 and 1969. Teaming up with partners like Bob Hewitt, Roy Emerson, and Ken Rosewall, he achieved the rare feat of winning all four major doubles championships. He also found success in mixed doubles, securing seven titles with partners such as Margaret Court and Lesley Turner Bowrey.
Stolle’s prowess extended to the Davis Cup, where he was instrumental in Australia’s victories in 1964, 1965, and 1966. His 1964 showdown in Cleveland against American Dennis Ralston remains memorable, with Stolle clawing back to claim a five-set victory. The following year, he delivered another clutch performance against Spain’s Manolo Santana during the competition in Sydney.
Beyond his playing days, Stolle made significant contributions as a coach, guiding American Vitas Gerulaitis to the 1977 Australian Open title. His connection to tennis continued as he remained on tour until 1982, engaging both on and off the court.
“Fred’s legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a boundless passion for tennis,” Tiley remarked. “His influence on the sport will long be cherished by those fortunate enough to experience his talents and insights, both as a player and later as a commentator.”
Tributes poured in from all corners, including an emotional post from Rod Laver, a fellow Australian tennis great, on the platform X. Laver, who shares an impressive tennis history with Stolle, emphasized the mutual respect they held for one another, writing, “Fred Stolle was too nice a guy to hold a grudge. It took the best to beat the best. We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world looking into the future with an enduring love of the sport.”
Though Stolle was born in Sydney, he settled in the United States after retiring from professional play. He is survived by his wife, Pat; his son Sandon, who also achieved acclaim as a US Open doubles winner; and his daughters Monique and Nadine.
