Former Wimbledon champion Neale Fraser passes away aged 91

Former Wimbledon champion, Neale Fraser has passed away aged 91. He won the singles title at SW19 in 1960 and was a trailblazer for Australian tennis.

He won the US National Championships also in 1959 and 1960 when tennis was still very much an amateur sport. He also claimed 11 men's doubles and five mixed doubles Slam titles and became the World Number One in 1959.

He was also a member of four Davis Cup teams that sealed the gold before going on to captain Australia in the event for 24 years. He won it a further four times as a captain.

"A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world," said Tennis Australia.

While Rod Laver and Pat Cash were among those to pay tribute to him. The former was beaten by Fraser at both Wimbledon and at the US tournament in 1960.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser," said Laver.

"He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends - an incredible world number one, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon.

"Neale bested me in two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My heartfelt condolences go out to [his wife] Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy. Rest in peace."

While Cash added his own simple but poignant tribute. "He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best."

Often seen back home watching the Australian tennis events, he also presented the Hopman Cup to Belinda Bencic and Roger Federer on court when the tournament was held in Australia.

Ahead of the Aussie summer in a few weeks, it is a sad moment for Australian tennis and one that will likely be recognised in Melbourne with a tribute for the former World No.1.

Wimbledon Champions (1946–1967): Legendary Winners

1946 FRA Yvon Petra d. AUS Geoff Brown 6–2, 6–4, 7–9, 5–7, 6–4

1947 USA Jack Kramer d. USA Tom Brown 6–1, 6–3, 6–2

1948 USA Bob Falkenburg d. AUS John Bromwich 7–5, 0–6, 6–2, 3–6, 7–5

1949 USA Ted Schroeder d. CZE Jaroslav Drobný 3–6, 6–0, 6–3, 4–6, 6–4

1950 USA Budge Patty d. AUS Frank Sedgman 6–1, 8–10, 6–2, 6–3

1951 USA Dick Savitt d. AUS Ken McGregor 6–4, 6–4, 6–4

1952 AUS Frank Sedgman d. EGY Jaroslav Drobný 4–6, 6–2, 6–3, 6–2

1953 USA Vic Seixas d. DEN Kurt Nielsen 9–7, 6–3, 6–4

1954 EGY Jaroslav Drobný d. AUS Ken Rosewall 13–11, 4–6, 6–2, 9–7

1955 USA Tony Trabert d. DEN Kurt Nielsen 6–3, 7–5, 6–1

1956 AUS Lew Hoad d. AUS Ken Rosewall 6–2, 4–6, 7–5, 6–4

1957 AUS Lew Hoad d. AUS Ashley Cooper 6–2, 6–1, 6–2

1958 AUS Ashley Cooper d. AUS Neale Fraser 3–6, 6–3, 6–4, 13–11

1959 USA Alex Olmedo d. AUS Rod Laver 6–4, 6–3, 6–4

1960 AUS Neale Fraser d. AUS Rod Laver 6–4, 3–6, 9–7, 7–5

1961 AUS Rod Laver d. USA Chuck McKinley 6–3, 6–1, 6–4

1962 AUS Rod Laver d. AUS Martin Mulligan 6–2, 6–2, 6–1

1963 USA Chuck McKinley d. AUS Fred Stolle 9–7, 6–1, 6–4

1964 AUS Roy Emerson d. AUS Fred Stolle 6–4, 12–10, 4–6, 6–3

1965 AUS Roy Emerson d. AUS Fred Stolle 6–2, 6–4, 6–4

1966 ESP Manuel Santana d. USA Dennis Ralston 6–4, 11–9, 6–4

1967 AUS John Newcombe d. FRG Wilhelm Bungert 6–3, 6–1, 6–1