Nicola Pietrangeli, a towering figure in Italian tennis history, has passed away at the age of 92. His death was announced by the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, although the cause has not been disclosed. Pietrangeli’s legacy is particularly highlighted by his remarkable achievements in the Davis Cup, where he still holds the record for the most wins of any player.
Pietrangeli made history in 1959 when he became the first Italian to secure a Grand Slam title by winning the French Open. He successfully defended his title the following year, establishing a record of two Grand Slam singles titles that stood until Jannik Sinner surpassed it with his third title at the Australian Open in 2025. Sinner currently holds four major championships to his name.
Reflecting on his victories, Pietrangeli once humorously noted that his 1960 title came with a $150 prize, barely enough to cover two months’ rent in Rome. He also reached the finals at Roland Garros in 1961 and 1964, where he faced off against Manuel Santana, ultimately finishing as the runner-up in both instances. In 1959, alongside Orlando Sirola, he won the French Open doubles title as well.
In addition to his Grand Slam success, Pietrangeli had significant results at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals in 1960, and he also made it to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in 1957.
Pietrangeli’s contributions to the Davis Cup are nothing short of legendary. With 164 matches played, he holds the record for the most matches and individual singles victories in the competition. His impressive singles record stands at 78 wins against 32 losses, complemented by 42 doubles wins out of 12 losses. Alongside Sirola, he formed a hugely successful doubles partnership, racking up 34 victories together.
As a player, Pietrangeli represented Italy in two Davis Cup finals but ended up on the losing side against formidable Australian opponents featuring legends Rod Laver and Roy Emerson. His most notable achievement came later when he served as captain of the team that captured the Davis Cup in 1976, leading a determined Italian squad to victory over Chile during a politically charged period under Augusto Pinochet’s regime.
Years later, Italy’s Davis Cup triumph would not return until Sinner led them to victory again in 2023 and 2024. The momentum continued as Italy secured a third consecutive title, and their first on home soil, under the leadership of Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli in Bologna.
After retiring from professional play and coaching, Pietrangeli became a familiar face at the Italian Open, where he had previously won titles in 1957 and 1961. The tournament’s venue, the iconic Pallacorda court at Foro Italico, was renamed Stadio Pietrangeli in 2006 in his honor. Pietrangeli had expressed a desire for his funeral to be held there, reflecting the deep connection he felt with his sport and his country.
Born in Tunis to an Italian father and a Russian mother, Pietrangeli’s life was dedicated to tennis, influencing generations of players and leaving a lasting impact on the sport in Italy. He will be remembered not just for his extraordinary achievements but also for his dedication to fostering the next wave of talent in Italian tennis.
