Fans and legends of Australian tennis alike will have the opportunity to pay tribute to the iconic Neale Fraser and his lasting contribution to the sporting community at a state funeral in his honour.
The tennis world will gather at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Wednesday, December 18, to celebrate Fraser, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, December 3, at the age of 91.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan MP is expected to deliver a speech at the service, where she will pay tribute to Fraser as “one of Australia’s great sportsmen.”
“His legacy of perseverance, leadership and decency will be remembered by many in the tennis community and across our state,” Allan said while announcing the state funeral.
Former doubles stars John Fitzgerald and Todd Woodbridge, along with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, are expected to attend the service.
The funeral will be open to the public and will be live streamed online.
Attendees will undoubtedly reflect on and celebrate Fraser’s remarkable career on the tennis court, highlighting his achievements and lasting impact on the sport.
Born October 3, 1933, Fraser perfected his powerful left hand serve on the clay courts next to his childhood home.
A fan of cricket, Fraser studied how leg-spin bowlers would turn the ball in different directions by cocking their wrists, a technique he adapted into his serve.
Competing during the golden era of Australian men’s tennis, Fraser initially struggled to secure a spot on the Davis Cup team and faced disappointment in three major singles finals, twice losing to his close friend Ashley Cooper – first at the 1957 Australian Championships and again at Wimbledon in 1958.
Fraser’s perseverance paid dividends in 1959 when he claimed all three US titles – singles, doubles, and mixed – at Forest Hills and guided Australia to a Davis Cup triumph.
It was in 1960, however, when Fraser secured tennis’ most coveted accolade after defeating Rod Laver in a memorable all-Australian Wimbledon men’s final.
He repeated the victory over Laver shortly after while defending the US Open crown he first won in 1959.
Fraser also amassed 16 grand slam doubles titles, completing the career slam in the men’s format, and claiming five mixed trophies.
Following his impressive career on the court, Fraser became Davis Cup captain for the Australian team, holding the captaincy for a record 24 years from 1970 to 1993.
During his time as captain, Fraser led Australia to four finals triumphs – in 1973, 1977, 1983 and 1986 – and recorded 55 wins from 75 ties played.
In recognition of his stellar career, Fraser was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.
Fraser is survived by his wife Thea, his children and grandchildren.
-with AAP.