Honoring Tennis Legend Fred Stolle

Fred Stolle, a 19-time Grand Slam champion and Hall of Famer, passed away at 86. Known for his fierce competitive spirit and stellar doubles play, Stolle was a key figure in Australia's Davis Cup victories and later became a respected coach and broadcaster. His contributions to tennis, both on and off the court, have left an enduring legacy.

In Memoriam: Honoring Tennis Legend Fred Stolle
Remembering the Australian Icon and His Lasting Legacy

The tennis world mourns the loss of Fred Stolle, an Australian legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. A winner of 19 Grand Slam titles and a 1985 inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Stolle passed away on March 5 at the age of 86.

George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty Images   Fred Stolle during the 1964 Wimbledon final.  By Joel Drucker

A Late Bloomer Who Defied Expectations

Unlike some of his celebrated Australian peers, Stolle’s rise to prominence was not immediate. Born in Sydney on October 8, 1938, he honed his skills on a makeshift asphalt court. While many promising juniors received support from sporting goods companies, Stolle worked as a bank teller before earning the opportunity to compete internationally at age 21.

Despite initial setbacks, he quickly made his presence known. His breakthrough moment came in the 1964 Davis Cup Challenge Round, where he delivered a clutch performance against the United States to help Australia reclaim the trophy. Stolle’s confidence and determination shone through as he rallied from a deficit, securing a five-set victory over Dennis Ralston. He went on to be a key player in Australia’s Davis Cup triumphs in 1965 and 1966.

Grand Slam Success and Career Highlights

Stolle's first major singles title came at Roland-Garros in 1965, where he defeated fellow Australian Tony Roche in the final. A year later, despite being unseeded at the U.S. Nationals, he proved his critics wrong by defeating Roy Emerson in the semifinals and John Newcombe in the final to claim his second Grand Slam singles title.

Beyond his singles success, Stolle was a dominant force in doubles, winning 10 men’s doubles and seven mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. Even into his 40s, he remained competitive, reaching the U.S. Open semifinals in doubles as late as 1981 alongside Newcombe.

Coaching, Broadcasting, and Lasting Influence

Following his playing career, Stolle transitioned seamlessly into coaching. His most notable protégé was Vitas Gerulaitis, whom he guided to a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world. Stolle’s influence extended to his own family, as his son, Sandon Stolle, won the 1998 U.S. Open doubles title, making them the only father-son duo to achieve Grand Slam victories.

For over four decades, Stolle also made his mark as a broadcaster, providing insightful commentary for ESPN, Channel Nine, and other networks. His partnership with Cliff Drysdale became legendary, offering expert analysis that enriched the viewing experience for tennis fans worldwide.

A Life Dedicated to Tennis

Few embody the phrase “a life in tennis” more than Fred Stolle. His legacy as a player, coach, and commentator continues to inspire future generations. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and children, Sandon, Monique, and Nadine.

Honoring a Legend

The impact of Fred Stolle on the sport will never be forgotten. From his gritty performances on court to his invaluable contributions off it, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and passion for the game.