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Nicola Pietrangeli, Pioneer of Italian Tennis, Dies at 92

The federation hailed the two-time French champion, citing his unmatched Davis Cup record.

Overview

  • Italy’s tennis federation announced Pietrangeli’s death in Rome at age 92, with no cause disclosed.
  • He set enduring Davis Cup marks with 164 matches played and 78 singles wins, records viewed as unlikely to be matched under today’s format.
  • As captain, he led Italy to the 1976 Davis Cup title after reaching finals as a player in 1960 and 1961.
  • Tributes followed from across the sport, with the federation calling him the “father of our tennis movement” and Rafael Nadal offering condolences.
  • In recent months he faced declining health after a 2024 hip fracture and mourned the death of his son Giorgio, yet he remained outspoken, criticizing Jannik Sinner for skipping the Davis Cup.