Neale Fraser, tennis legend and winner of 19 Grand Slams, has died

Australian Neale Fraser, once tennis world No. 1 and winner of 19 Grand Slam trophies, has died at 91. The information was confirmed by the Australian federation on social media.

Fraser won three singles majors in the amateur era (two U.S. Nationals, predecessor of the U.S. Open, in 1959 and 1960 and Wimbledon in 1960) and 16 other Grand Slams in doubles.

In 1959, he captured all three possible U.S. National titles (singles, men's doubles and mixed) at Forest Hill and was a member of the Australian team that won four Davis Cups in the early 1960s, a tournament that further enhanced his legend by leading his country's team from 1970 to 1993 with four more titles.

"A 19-time Grand Slam champion across singles and doubles, and one of the greatest to ever represent the nation in Davis Cup," Tennis Australia said on X.

"He was like a father to me," indicated another Australian legend, Pat Cash, also a Wimbledon winner, in the federation's statement. "He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best," he added.

Considered the greatest Australian tennis player in history, Rod Laver, also a member of the team that won the Davis Cup uninterrupted between 1959 and 1962, paid tribute to his "dear friend and fellow left-hander."

"He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends - an incredible World No. 1, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon," the 86-year-old tennis player wrote in X.

"Neale bested me in 2 major finals, pushing me to become a better player. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy," he added.