ROME — The world of tennis is in mourning following the death of Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli, a two-time French Open champion and one of the sport's most charismatic figures. The Italian Tennis Federation (FIT) confirmed that Pietrangeli passed away at his home in Rome on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the age of 92. His death marks the end of an era for Italian sport, closing the chapter on a life defined by elegance, passion, and an enduring love for the game that captivated a nation.
A Legacy Forged on Clay
Born in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1933 to Italian parents, Nicola Pietrangeli’s career is synonymous with the red clay of Roland Garros. His mastery of the surface was unparalleled in his prime, leading him to back-to-back French Open singles titles in 1959 and 1960. His 1959 victory was particularly dramatic, a five-set epic against South Africa’s Ian Vermaak. The following year, he successfully defended his crown, defeating the great Luis Ayala of Chile. These triumphs cemented his status as a clay-court maestro and a national hero in Italy.
Pietrangeli’s prowess was not limited to singles. He was a formidable doubles player, capturing the men’s doubles title at Roland Garros in 1959 with fellow Italian Orlando Sirola. His Davis Cup record stands as one of the most remarkable in the competition's history. Representing Italy from 1954 to 1972, he played a staggering 164 rubbers, winning 120 of them—a record for most Davis Cup match wins that stood for over 50 years. His leadership was instrumental in Italy reaching the Davis Cup final in 1960 and 1961.
The Heart of Italian Tennis
Beyond the statistics, Pietrangeli was the soul of Italian tennis for generations. Known for his flamboyant style, tactical intelligence, and a certain nonchalant grace on court, he was a crowd favorite wherever he played. He reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 3 and was a fixture at the top of the game throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. His influence extended far beyond his playing days, as he remained a constant, beloved presence at tournaments, especially the Italian Open in Rome, where the central court at the Foro Italico is named in his honor: “Campo Centrale Nicola Pietrangeli.”
Tributes have poured in from across the tennis world and Italy. The current president of the Italian Tennis Federation, Angelo Binaghi, stated, “Italian tennis loses its most representative champion. Nicola was the flag of our tennis for decades, first as an extraordinary player and then as a point of reference. We will miss his class, his style, and his smile.” Current Italian star Jannik Sinner, who has often spoken of Pietrangeli’s encouragement, called him “a legend and an inspiration.”
A Career of Remarkable Milestones
To understand the breadth of Pietrangeli’s impact, it’s helpful to highlight some of his key achievements:
- Singles Titles: He won 28 singles titles during his amateur-era career.
- Grand Slam Finals: Beyond his two French Open wins, he was also a finalist at Roland Garros in 1961 and 1964.
- Davis Cup Dominance: His record of 120 total match wins (78 in singles, 42 in doubles) for Italy remains a towering benchmark.
- Longevity: He played in a record 18 consecutive editions of the Italian Open from 1950 to 1967.
- Olympian: He represented Italy at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where tennis was a demonstration sport.
His playing style was a study in touch and strategy over brute force. In an era before poly strings and extreme topspin, Pietrangeli relied on sliced backhands, deft drop shots, intelligent court positioning, and an unflappable competitive temperament. He was a thinker’s player, often outmaneuvering more powerful opponents with his guile and consistency, particularly on his beloved clay.
The Eternal Roman
After retiring from the professional tour, Pietrangeli never left the sport. He served as the captain of Italy’s Davis Cup team and remained a ubiquitous figure at the Foro Italico, offering commentary, sharing stories, and connecting the modern game to its rich history. His wit and charm made him a favorite with journalists and fans alike. For many younger Italian players, a word of advice or a pat on the back from “Nicolino” was a cherished rite of passage. He was a bridge between the classic amateur era and the Open era that began in 1968.
The tennis community’s reaction underscores his universal respect. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said, “Nicola Pietrangeli was a true icon of our sport. His achievements, particularly at Roland Garros and in the Davis Cup, are the stuff of legend. More than that, he carried himself with a unique charm and love for tennis that inspired everyone around him. He will be deeply missed.” Similar sentiments were echoed by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which inducted Pietrangeli in 1986, recognizing his monumental contribution to the game.
His passing also resonates deeply within Italian culture. He was more than a sportsman; he was a symbol of post-war Italian elegance and resilience. In the 1950s and 60s, as Italy rebuilt itself, figures like Pietrangeli, with their international success and style, provided a source of immense national pride. He was awarded the title of Cavaliere di Gran Croce, Italy’s highest order of merit, a testament to his status as a national treasure.
A Final Farewell
Nicola Pietrangeli’s legacy is secure. It lives on in the name etched on the French Open trophies, in the enduring Davis Cup records, and in the very court that bears his name in Rome. But perhaps more enduringly, it lives on in the spirit he embodied—a deep, joyful passion for tennis played with artistry and heart. As the tennis world gathers at the Foro Italico for the upcoming Italian Open, his absence will be profoundly felt, but his presence will forever be woven into the fabric of the event and the sport itself.
The final word may best be left to the man himself, who once captured his philosophy simply: “Tennis is a beautiful game. It should be played with feeling, with imagination. It is not just about hitting the ball hard.” Nicola Pietrangeli played it beautifully, with immense feeling, and in doing so, he captured the imagination of Italy and the tennis world, leaving an indelible mark that will never be forgotten.