Australian tennis great Fred Stolle, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion who later enjoyed a distinguished career as a television commentator, has died at the age of 86, Tennis Australia announced on Thursday.

Stolle was part of a golden era of Australian tennis, alongside Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall, John Newcombe, and Tony Roche, dominating the men’s game during the transition from amateur to professional tennis.

A tall and athletic competitor, Stolle suffered five consecutive Grand Slam final defeats—all but one at the hands of his close friend Emerson—before finally breaking through in 1965, defeating Roche to win the French Open.

That same year, he finished runner-up at Wimbledon, once again losing to Emerson, but rebounded in 1966 to claim his second Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, defeating Newcombe in the final despite being unseeded.

"When we speak about Australia's golden era, Stolle's name is right up there with the best," said Tennis Australia Chief Executive Craig Tiley.

**"A star member of Australia’s Davis Cup team, Fred made significant contributions to the sport following his decorated career—as a coach and as an astute commentator.

"His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis. His impact on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions."**

A Davis Cup Champion and Doubles Maestro

Nicknamed ‘Fiery’ by his Davis Cup teammates, Stolle was a key figure in Australia’s triumphs in 1964, 1965, and 1966, at a time when the competition had a higher profile and was fiercely contested, particularly against the United States.

“To play for Australia meant everything to me,” Stolle once said.

A highly accomplished doubles player, Stolle won 10 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, with his final triumph coming at the 1969 US Open alongside Rosewall. He also secured seven mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

After retiring from professional play, Stolle briefly coached 1977 Australian Open champion Vitas Gerulaitis before transitioning into broadcasting, where he became a respected and beloved voice in tennis commentary.

A Life Dedicated to Tennis

Born in northern Sydney, Stolle spent most of his later years living in the United States. He is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Monique and Nadine, and son Sandon, who won the US Open men’s doubles title in 1998.

Tributes poured in following news of his passing, with Rod Laver remembering him fondly.

"Fred Stolle was too nice a guy to hold a grudge. He won many Grand Slams and reached the finals of many more. It took the best to beat the best," Laver wrote on social media.

"We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world, looking into the future with an enduring love for the sport. You will be missed, Fiery. RIP."