TENNIS legend and former Grand Slam champion Nicola Pietrangeli has died aged 92.
Pietrangeli enjoyed a 20-year career, including five as a professional, from 1953 to 1973.
During that time, he won two French Open singles titles – in 1959 and 1960 – as well as the doubles and mixed doubles crowns at Roland Garros.
That saw Pietrangeli become the first Italian to win a Grand Slam singles title.
The successful defence in 1960 was done with bleeding feet after hard running around the clay court peeled the skin off them.
His reward was just $150.
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Pietrangeli lost two further French Open singles finals and reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 1960, four years after losing the doubles final in SW19.
Pietrangeli was born in Tunisia but represented Italy, including in two Davis Cup finals in the early 1960s.
The right-hander won eight singles titles and reached world No3.
He is widely considered one of Italian tennis’ all-time greats.
Pietrangeli passed away in Rome on Monday.
His health had been in decline in recent months following a hip fracture last December.
More to follow…
Nicola Pietrangeli’s tennis record
Grand Slam best singles results
Australian Open QF (1957)
French Open W (1959, 1960)
Wimbledon SF (1960)
US Open 3R (1955, 1965)
Grand Slam best doubles results
French Open W (1959)
Wimbledon F (1956)
Grand Slam best mixed doubles results
French Open W (1958)
Wimbledon 3R (1955, 1959)
Team competitions best results
Davis Cup F (1960, 1961)
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