Nicola Pietrangeli: Italy's tennis icon dies at 92
Pietrangeli, a two-time French Open champion and Davis Cup pioneer, dies at 92, leaving a lasting legacy in Italian and world tennis. Tributes pour in from fans and peers as the sport remembers a trailblazer who shaped Italian tennis for decades and inspired generations of players.
Former Italian tennis great Nicola Pietrangeli has died at 92, marking the end of an era for Italian sports fans. The two-time French Open champion is remembered for his trailblazing success and his role in lifting Italy into the Davis Cup spotlight.
Career highlights
Pietrangeli became the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam singles title when he captured the French Open crown in Paris in 1959, and he defended the title the following year. He collected 48 career titles and was widely regarded as Italy's best player until the rise of the modern era.
He also finished runner-up at Roland Garros in 1961 and 1964, demonstrating his clay court excellence across more than a decade.
Davis Cup and national impact
In service of his country, he played a record 164 Davis Cup matches for Italy, winning 120, and helped Italy win the Davis Cup for the first time in 1976.
Reactions from the tennis world
David Haggerty, president of the International Tennis Federation, described Pietrangeli as the embodiment of the Davis Cup spirit—passion, prestige and pride in representing your country. His achievements left a lasting global legacy in the sport.
Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time French Open champion, paid tribute on social media, calling Pietrangeli a great figure in both Italian and world tennis.
Organisers of the Italian Open, where Pietrangeli won twice, expressed deep sadness and sent condolences to his family, calling him a true legend of Italian tennis.
Expert comment
Expert view: ITF president David Haggerty highlighted Pietrangeli's role as the living symbol of the Davis Cup tradition and his lasting impact on the sport.
Summary
Nicola Pietrangeli's two French Open titles and his Davis Cup leadership cemented his status as a cornerstone of Italian tennis. His success inspired a generation of players and fans, and his legacy is felt in courts around the world today.
Key takeaway: Pietrangeli's career bridged individual excellence with national pride in tennis. Source