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Italian Tennis Pioneer Nicola Pietrangeli Dies at 92

The federation confirmed the passing of Italy’s first Grand Slam singles champion, whose cause of death was not disclosed.

Overview

  • Tributes arrived from across the sport, including Rafael Nadal and Italian federation president Angelo Binaghi, who hailed Pietrangeli as the game’s defining Italian figure.
  • He became Italy’s first major singles winner with consecutive Roland Garros titles in 1959 and 1960.
  • He set enduring national Davis Cup records with 164 rubbers played and 120 total wins, including 78 in singles and 42 in doubles.
  • As captain, he led Italy to its first Davis Cup title in 1976.
  • Honors included International Tennis Hall of Fame induction in 1986 and Rome’s Stadio Pietrangeli bearing his name, with reports noting recent health decline after a 2024 hip fracture and the earlier death of his son Giorgio in 2025.