Roger Federer pays tribute to 'true legend' Neale Fraser in heartfelt tribute

Former world number one Roger Federer has paid tribute to Australia’s legendary tennis star Neale Fraser. The former world number one passed away earlier this month at the age of 91.

Switzerland’s legendary tennis star Federer, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 20 Grand Slam titles, has paid tribute to Fraser and called him a ‘true legend’. "I'm deeply saddened to hear of Neale's passing... he was a true legend," he wrote. "I always enjoyed his company when we met around the world."

Fraser, who retired from the sport in 1977, remains one of the most successful Australian players in the singles category of men’s tennis history. It is because of this that he received a state funeral. He finished his career with three Grand Slam titles. However, he never managed to win a major event while playing on the home soil, despite playing in the final of the Australian Open three times. His last appearance in the final of a major event on home soil was in 1960, where he lost to fellow countryman Rod Laver in the final in a five-set thriller with a score of 5–7, 3–6, 6–3, 8–6, 8–6.

Fraser’s last Grand Slam title in the singles category was the US Open in 1960, where he defeated Laver in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 10-8. That’s not it, as the Sydney-born star has 11 Grand Slams in the doubles category and five major titles in the mixed doubles category. Fraser’s success was not only limited to the Grand Slams. He also played a key role in helping his country win four consecutive Davis Cup titles from 1959 to 1962.