The French Open paid tribute to one of its former winners by declaring Nicola Pietrangeli "an extraordinary champion who will be deeply missed" after the Italian tennis icon passed away on Monday.
On Monday morning, Italian time, the country's tennis federation announced that one of its most legendary players died at the age of 92 in Rome.
Before the Open Era started, Pietrangeli won back-to-back Grand Slam singles titles at Roland Garros in 1959 and 1960. The former world No. 3 also captured the French Open mixed doubles title in 1958, as well as the French Open men's doubles title in 1959. At the time, the Parisian Grand Slam was called the French Championships.
French Open's tribute to Pietrangeli: An extraordinary champion and a beloved figure
"We were fortunate to sit down with Nicola Pietrangeli a few years ago as he shared his beginnings in tennis and his unforgettable story with Roland-Garros. A brilliant storyteller, an extraordinary champion, and a beloved figure who will be deeply missed," the Parisian Grand Slam wrote on X.
The Italian tennis legend finished his career with 44 titles in singles - two Grand Slam singles triumphs - and he was ranked as high as No. 3 in the world. He also left a major mark in the Davis Cup since he took part in a record of 164 matches for Italy, as well as guided his country as a captain to its first-ever Davis Cup title in 1976.
After winning back-to-back French Open titles, the former world No. 3 was also close to winning Wimbledon - he reached the semifinal at The Championships in 1960.
