Nicola Pietrangeli, one of the sport's most enduring clay-court icons, passed away on Monday at the age of 92. The Italian left behind a legacy woven into the foundations of European tennis.
Rafael Nadal, another Kingof clay, reacted promptly and shared a heartfelt message, honoring the man who once symbolized excellence on the red dirt and who presented him with the 2010 Roland Garros trophy.
The image accompanying Nadal's tribute captured their bond perfectly - with Pietrangeli, dignified in a navy blazer, presenting the fifth Coupe des Mousquetairesto Nadal.
It was a symbolic passing of the torch from Italy's greatest clay champion to the Spaniard who would go on to rewrite every record the surface had ever known, earning Nicola's utter respect.
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Young tennis fans should learn at least something about Pietrangeli's legacy and his love for the game. Born in Tunis in 1933, he ruled European clay in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The Italian ruled at Roland Garros in 1959 and 1960. Between 1961 and 1968, he conquered three Monte Carlo trophies from four finals to further cement his status on the slowest surface.
Nicola wasalso the ultimate Davis Cup warrior, entering mind-blowing 164 rubbersfor Italy and clinching 120 victories! He led his country toward two finals before helping them win the title in 1976 as the captain.
Thus, he became a lifelong mentor for generations of Italian players. Foro Italico's stadium carries his name. With the Italian legend passing, tennis loses a champion and one of its most charismatic gentlemen.
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For Rafa, it marks the farewell to a man whose legacy stood at the roots of his own clay-court journey - an irreplaceable figure whose presence enriched the sport for nearly a century.
His message is also very strong. It bounds two ultimate clay warriors, who will never again stand on the beloved surface together.
