Nicola Pietrangeli Passes Away: Italian Tennis Legend and Grand Slam Pioneer

Nicola Pietrangeli, Italian Tennis Legend, Passes Away

The tennis world is in mourning following the death of Nicola Pietrangeli, an emblematic figure in Italian sport. Pietrangeli, who was the first Italian tennis player to win a Grand Slam title, died this Monday at the age of 92, according to the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP).

Italian tennis mourns its idol. Nicola Pietrangeli, the only Italian tennis player inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 92.

FITP

Born in Tunis in 1933, Pietrangeli moved to Rome after the Second World War, where he began his outstanding sporting career.

A Historical Record

Considered a legend of European tennis, Pietrangeli left an indelible mark on the history of this sport. His impressive career includes two Roland Garros titles, achieved in 1959 and 1960. In addition, he holds the record for the most matches played in the Davis Cup, with 164 matches, of which he won 120, the most in the history of the competition. In 1976, as captain, he led the Italian team to win their first Davis Cup, a title that remained the only one in the country’s record until 2023. At an individual level, Pietrangeli was also a semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 1960 and was crowned champion of the Rome Tournament on two occasions. Throughout his career, he obtained a total of 48 titles and won a medal at the 1963 Mediterranean Games, defeating the Spaniard Manuel Santana in the final.

Reactions and Legacy

Angelo Binaghi, president of the FITP, expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of Pietrangeli, highlighting his impact on Italian tennis.

Today Italian tennis loses its greatest symbol and I lose a friend. Pietrangeli was not only a champion; he was the first to show us what it truly meant to win, on and off the court. With him we learned that we could also compete with the world and dream big.

Angelo Binaghi, President of the FITP

Nicola Pietrangeli leaves an invaluable legacy for Italian and world tennis, being a pioneer whose career inspired subsequent generations.