Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal led an emotional wave of tributes on Monday as the tennis world honored Nicola Pietrangeli, the Italian icon and two-time French Open champion who died at 92, prompting players past and present to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.
Emotional Tributes Pour In from Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Fellow Stars
22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal was among the first to share a personal reflection, posting a photo of Pietrangeli handing him the 2010 French Open trophy. He wrote, “I have just learned of the sad news of the departure of a great of Italian and world tennis. My deepest condolences to his entire family, his son Filippo, and the entire Italian tennis family. DEP Nicola.”
Ho appena saputo della triste notizia della partenza di un grande del tennis italiano e mondiale.
Le mie più sentite condoglianze a tutta la sua famiglia, il suo figlio Filippo, e tutta la famiglia del tennis italiano. DEP Nicola pic.twitter.com/rs1ql2vAU6
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 1, 2025
24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic honored the moment by resharing the news on his Instagram story, adding a folded hands emoji.
Italian players Lorenzo Musetti, Jasmine Paolini, and Matteo Arnaldi also shared the news on their Instagram stories, accompanied by solemn emojis.
Tributes extended beyond Italy as well. Tennis legend Yannick Noah commented on an Instagram post, writing, “A friend, a legend is gone 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 😰😰😰😰,” while Sloane Stephens added red heart emojis.
Veteran Italian player Fabio Fognini shared a personal snapshot with Pietrangeli, captioning it, “Dear Nick, a huge piece of our history is leaving. This photo in Montecarlo is worth everything to me: your example, your irony, your light. You taught everyone what winning really means. Safe travels, legend.”
Former Italian star Flavia Pennetta added her own message beneath an old photograph, writing, “I like to remember you this way, together. Thank you for everything you did for our sport, we will never forget you. Rest in peace, Nicola ♥️.”
What Made Nicola Pietrangeli One of Italy’s Most Accomplished Tennis Champions?
Pietrangeli’s passing resonates far beyond his impressive list of achievements. Regarded as Italy’s greatest pre-Open Era player, he became the first Italian man to capture a Grand Slam singles trophy when he won Roland Garros in 1959 and repeated the feat in 1960.
His accomplishments extended across multiple disciplines, including the 1958 mixed doubles title in Paris, the 1959 men’s doubles championship with Orlando Sirola and more than 50 total titles in singles and doubles combined.
His contributions to the Davis Cup remain historic. Pietrangeli appeared in 164 matches and collected 120 wins, a record that still stands. After his retirement, he captained Italy to its first Davis Cup crown in 1976 and continued serving as a respected ambassador for the sport. His 1986 induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame affirmed his influence on generations of players.
