Nicola Pietrangeli: Italian tennis mourns a legend

Pietrangeli and Roland-Garros: A Mutual Love Affair

Though he initially seemed destined for football, Pietrangeli eventually followed his father’s footsteps and drifted - slowly but surely - toward tennis. It was only at 19 that he hung up his boots for good. First Italian player to win a Grand Slam title, he belonged to the generation that shaped the sport just a few years before the start of the Open Era in 1968.

Two-time champion on the clay of Paris - in 1959 against Ian Vermaak, then in 1960 against Luis Ayala - he also reached the final twice, in 1961 and 1964, losing on both occasions to Manolo Santana. Roland-Garros was a tournament he held close to his heart. Born in Tunis from Italian parents, French was his mother tongue, and he maintained a special bond with France.
“I truly believe that the most beautiful tournament in the world is Roland-Garros,” he once said. “And I’m not saying that just because I didn’t win any other Grand Slams! But the way we are welcomed here, seeing old friends again… I can’t quite explain it. Maybe, deep down, it’s because I could have chosen to play for France.”

His history with the Parisian Major was rich with highlights: beyond his two singles titles, he also won the doubles crown with Orlando Sirola in 1959, and the mixed doubles trophy alongside Shirley Bloomer in 1958. True master of clay, he also reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 1960. Much loved by the public, the most “French” of all Italian champions once shared his “Memories of a Champion” with us, recalling an era where great sporting achievements mingled with glamorous nights at Régine’s or the Crazy Horse. Nicknamed “The Captain” by his peers, he embraced the joy and freedom of his remarkable journey.

A Heart in Green, White and Red

Representing Italy was central to Pietrangeli’s career. With charisma, aura and undeniable talent, he carried his country’s colours with pride, bringing an entire nation with him.

In 1960 and 1961, he reached the Davis Cup final as a player, both times falling to Australia. Across singles and doubles, he still holds the competition record for most victories (120) and most matches played (164) - a testament to how deeply the event was mixed into his identity.
The "Salad Bowl" trophy finally came his way as a captain in 1976, delivering Italy’s first Davis Cup title.

After putting down his racquet, Pietrangeli appeared in films and on television, notably hosting “La Domenica Sportiva,” the long-running Sunday sports programme broadcast on Rai since 1953.

On Monday, Italy lost one of its great sporting figures - and so did Roland-Garros.