- Went from the Grand Chelem champion to the “tennis voice”
- Also won the Davis cuts with Australia in a stellar career
The world of tennis is in mourning for the death of the winner of the Grand Slam, the television star Fred Stolle, who was known as the voice of sport when he exchanged his racket for the microphone of a commentator.
The winner of the French and the United States died at the age of 86 and was praised as a real big game for his work on and off the field.
Born in Sydney, Stolle was inducted into the temple of renowned international tennis in 1985 and did sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1988.
He won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles, including the single crown in Roland Garros in 1965 and Flushing Meadow in 1966, and added 17 duplicate titles throughout the 1960s.
Stolle also reached the Simple final at Australian Open in 1964 and 1965 when he was classified as a n ° 1 amateur in the world in 1966.
He won the Davis Cup with Australia in 1964, 1965 and 1966, later saying that playing for his country “meant everything for me”.
Fred Stolle (play photo in 1971) was an Australian tennis giant as a player and the voice of sport through his television work
The Sydneysider (photo with Novak Djokovic at the 2015 France Open) was inducted at the 2015 International Tennis renown temple
Stolle (photo with Pete Sampras) was undoubtedly the color commentator of the game during his distinguished career
At the end of his days of play, he turned his attention to the coach and guided the best Vitas Gerulaitis player from 1977 to 1983.
But he is perhaps better known for his work as undoubtedly the commentator of the superior color in sport when he worked for Channel Nine and Espn.
“ When we talk about Australia’s golden era and the amateur progression to professionalism, the name of Stolle is up there with the best ”, said Craig Tiley, CEO of Australia Tennis.
“A star member of the Davis Cup team from Australia, Fred made a significant contribution to sport after his decorated career, as a clever coach and commentator.
“His heritage is that of excellence, dedication and deep love for tennis. Its impact on sport will remain in memories and darling by all those who have had the privilege of seeing its contributions.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Fred’s family and friends during this sad time.
More to come …
