Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Italian Tennis Pioneer Nicola Pietrangeli Dies at 92

The federation confirmed his passing, with tributes highlighting the two-time French Open champion's formative impact.

Overview

  • The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation announced Pietrangeli’s death at 92, giving no cause and noting his health had declined after a hip fracture in December 2024.
  • He became Italy’s first Grand Slam singles winner with French Open titles in 1959 and 1960, adding Roland Garros doubles in 1959 and mixed doubles in 1958.
  • He set enduring Davis Cup benchmarks for Italy with 164 matches and 120 wins, later captaining the 1976 title-winning team in politically fraught Chile.
  • He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986, and Rome’s Foro Italico named its Stadio Pietrangeli in his honor in 2006.
  • Rafael Nadal and Italian tennis leaders issued tributes, while reports noted his death followed the loss of his son Giorgio earlier in 2025.