Todd Woodbridge, an esteemed Australian tennis champion, has praised Fred Stolle, a prominent player and broadcaster from the past, referring to him as a “legend of our sport”, an “iconic Australian”, and one of his personal idols.
A wave of tributes for Stolle has poured in following the news of the tennis great’s passing at the age of 86.
Throughout his illustrious career in the 1960s, Stolle secured two singles Grand Slam titles, 17 doubles majors, and achieved the title of world No.1 in singles.
Affectionately known as “Fiery”, he triumphed at Roland-Garros and the US Open in singles in 1965.
He clinched at least two men’s doubles titles at every Grand Slam tournament, as well as multiple mixed doubles championships at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Stolle also played a vital role in three victorious Davis Cup teams between 1964 and 1966.
He is a proud inductee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Fred Stolle in action at Wimbledon in 1963. Fox Photos
“Fred stands as an absolute legend in our sport for many reasons,” Woodbridge remarked in an interview with Wide World of Sports.
“As an iconic Australian, he travelled extensively, establishing a reputation for us as friendly and hardworking individuals.”
“The key aspect of this era of champions that we are starting to lose — with the passing of Neale Fraser before Christmas and now Fred Stolle — is that these individuals laid the groundwork for professional tennis as we recognise it today, shaping an Aussie culture worldwide that made us remarkably likeable. It now falls to us, including myself, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt, to uphold the values and traditions they entrusted to us.”
Stolle coached former world No.3 Vitas Gerulaitis from the US, who triumphed at the Australian Open in 1977.
He later transitioned into broadcasting, establishing himself as a perceptive commentator for various networks, including Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
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Fred Stolle competing at Wimbledon in 1965. Getty
“I personally attribute a great deal of my current success to him following my tennis career,” Woodbridge, now the captain of Nine’s tennis commentary team, shared.
“When I was just starting out, he was the face of Channel Nine alongside [Australian tennis legend] John Newcombe and [US tennis legend] Tony Trabert. He always offered a joke and positive advice on how to improve.”
“Later, he built a solid career as a commentator and broadcaster in the US, overseeing corporate tennis for major organisations. I found him to be a figure to emulate, as he succeeded in showing that there is more to life than merely playing tennis.”
Woodbridge fondly remembers a defining trait of Stolle’s character.
“I’ll always cherish the way he would chuckle and laugh,” Woodbridge reflected.
“He had this way of using sarcasm to poke fun and then follow it up with laughter, reminding you to not take yourself too seriously.”
From left: John Newcombe, Fred Stolle and Tony Trabert commentating for Nine at Wimbledon in 1990. Fairfax
Stolle’s most notable achievement in the Davis Cup came during a dramatic five-set comeback against American Dennis Ralston in Cleveland in 1964.
He held a deep appreciation for representing Australia in the Davis Cup above all else in tennis.
“Competing for Australia was everything to me,” Stolle reflected years ago when reminiscing about the tournament.
Craig Tiley, the chief executive of Tennis Australia, paid tribute to the remarkable career and life of the Sydney-born tennis icon.
From left: Fred Stolle, Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver in Chicago in 2018. Getty
“When discussing Australia’s golden era and the transition from amateurism to professionalism in tennis, Stolle’s name is among the very best,” remarked Tiley.
“As a vital member of Australia’s Davis Cup team, Fred made remarkable contributions to the sport after his esteemed playing career as a coach and a perceptive commentator.”
“His legacy embodies excellence, commitment, and a deep affection for tennis. All who were fortunate to witness his influence will always remember and honour his impact on the sport.”
“Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Fred’s family and friends during this sorrowful time.”
Survived by his wife Pat, son Sandon — also a noted tennis player — and daughters Monique and Nadine.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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