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Nicola Pietrangeli, one of Italy’s most celebrated sporting pioneers, leaves behind a legacy that shaped the nation’s tennis identity for generations. Passing away at the age of 92, the two-time French Open champion and Davis Cup icon remains etched in history as the figure who first placed Italian tennis on the global stage. His life and career continue to inspire an era that now boasts stars like Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini—athletes who walk the path Pietrangeli carved more than half a century ago.
A trailblazer who defined Italian Tennis
Pietrangeli was the first Italian tennis player to clinch a Grand Slam singles title, triumphing at the French Open in 1959 and defending his crown the following year. His record of two major titles stood untouched until Jannik Sinner won his second straight Australian Open in 2025, surpassing the longstanding benchmark.
His rise in an era when the sport lacked the glitz and commercial rewards of modern tennis made his achievements even more remarkable.
Reflecting on his 1960 French Open victory, Nicola Pietrangeli once said, “I won $150 for the 1960 title, which covered two months rent for my home in Rome.”
Despite modest financial rewards, his competitive spirit remained unmatched. Pietrangeli also reached two additional French Open finals, a Wimbledon semifinal, and made deep runs in other major tournaments across his illustrious career.
The master of Davis Cup competition
No player in tennis history contributed to Italy’s Davis Cup journey the way Pietrangeli did. He still holds the record for the most Davis Cup match wins and the most singles victories, after competing in 164 matches across 66 ties for the Azzurri.
As a leader, he completed what he could not achieve as a player when he captained Italy to its historic Davis Cup triumph in 1976. Remembering the political tension surrounding the finals in Chile under Augusto Pinochet, Nicola Pietrangeli said,
“Without me, Italy would have not traveled to that final and we wouldn’t have won.”
This victory remained unmatched until Sinner powered Italy to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, with a third triumph following shortly after.
A legacy revered by the sporting world
Tributes poured from across the tennis community following news of his passing. Rafael Nadal, who frequently received the Italian Open trophy from Pietrangeli, wrote,
“I just heard the sad news about the passing of an Italian and world tennis great.”
He was also honored by the Italian tennis federation as the only player from the nation inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame—a testament to his monumental impact.
A life that continues to inspire
Nicola Pietrangeli’s journey transcends championships and accolades. He embodied resilience, national pride, and a deep love for the sport at a time when tennis in Italy was still finding its voice. His influence remains woven into the modern successes of Italian tennis, ensuring that his legacy will stand strong for generations to come.
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