Fred Stolle, grand slam champion, Davis Cup winner and commentator, dies aged 86

Two-time grand slam singles winner and commentary ace Fred Stolle has died aged 86.

A three-time Davis Cup winner from Australia's golden age of tennis, Stolle also won 10 grand slam doubles titles throughout the 1960s — including completing a career Grand Slam in doubles twice — and seven mixed doubles crowns.

He also took out singles majors in Paris in 1965 and New York a year later.

After retirement, he was a regular voice on television broadcasts with Channel Nine, CBS and Fox Sports.

Stolle was made an officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2005.

"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," Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said in a media release.

"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.

Fred Stolle was a well known voice in world tennis. (Getty Images: Sports Illustrated/Bill Frakes)

"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."

Stolle's legendary status within Australian tennis comes as much from his perseverance as his achievements.

The Sydney-born player is the only men's player in history to have lost his first five grand slam singles titles, losing to Chuck McKinley in the 1963 Wimbledon final before suffering four successive defeats to compatriot Roy Emerson over the next two years at Wimbledon, the US Championships and Australian Championships (twice).

Roy Emerson (left) beat Fred Stolle (right) in the Wimbledon men's singles final three straight years and in four straight grand slam finals. (Getty Images: Keystone/Douglas Miller)

The last of those, in 1965, was a five-set thriller at their home major, a result compounded by the fact he and Emerson lost in the doubles final together too.

By that time he was already a four-time grand slam doubles champion with Bob Hewitt, winning Wimbledon and the Australian Championships twice each.

Later in 1965 though, he broke through for his maiden singles crown, beating another Aussie, Tony Roche, to win the French Championships on clay.

Another Wimbledon final defeat followed against Emerson — the third time in a row his Davis Cup teammate got the better of him in the decider at the All England Club — before he beat John Newcombe in the 1966 US Championships to claim his second grand slam singles title and catapult him into the world number one ranking spot.

Four of Stolle's next doubles crowns came in partnership with Emerson before he won four more with Ken Rosewall, bridging the Open and amateur eras.

Even in defeat Fred Stolle was magnanimous with friend and teammate Roy Emerson. (Getty Images: Fox Photos/George Freston)

As impressive as his grand slam exploits are, Stolle was at his best for his country.

"To play for Australia meant everything to me," he said.

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Stolle was part of three triumphant Davis Cup teams from 1964 to 1966, playing six ties and ending with a career rubbers record of 13 wins and three defeats, 10-2 in singles and 3-1 in doubles.

Arguably his finest hour came in his first appearance, a come-from-behind five-set victory over American Dennis Ralston at Cleveland in 1964.

In later years, Stolle predominantly lived in the United States, where he was a long-time trainer of Vitas Gerulaitis, who spectacularly won the Australian Open in 1977, achieving something his mentor could not quite manage himself.

He is survived by wife Pat, son Sandon and daughters Monique and Nadine.

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