Roland Garros' oldest champion of modern era dies at 82

News24
09 Oct 2019, 23:43 GMT+10

Madrid - Andres Gimeno, the oldest male French Open champion in the Open era, has died at the age of 82, the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) announced on Wednesday.

Gimeno's biggest achievement was winning Roland Garros aged 34 in 1972 but he also reached the Australian Open final in 1969 and the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 1970.

"One of the iconic figures of Spanish tennis, Andres Gimeno, died on Wednesday in Barcelona at the age of 82 after a long illness," read a statement from the RFET.

"The Royal Spanish Tennis Federation wants to express its condolences to both his family and relatives."

World number two Rafael Nadal, a 12-time Roland Garros champion, wrote that Gimeno had been a "pioneer" for the sport in Spain.

"I have just been told the sad news of the death of #AndresGimeno," Nadal wrote. "Without doubt one of the pioneers of tennis in Spain and a great athlete. Heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP."

Gimeno won 44 career titles and represented Spain at the Davis Cup from 1958 to 1960 and 1972 to 1973. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Australian Herald.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

US farmers face bankruptcy, economic uncertainty due to USDA freeze

Farmers put plans, investments on hold under USDA spending freeze

CHICAGO/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Farmers and food groups across the U.S. are laying off workers, stopping investments, and struggling to get...

South Dakota law blocks eminent domain for carbon pipelines

South Dakota law raises queries on future of massive Midwest pipeline

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota: A new South Dakota law banning the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines has cast doubt on...

US intelligence agency orders DEIA officials to resign or face firing

Diversity dismissals begin at top US intelligence agency, lawyer says

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Officials working on diversity and inclusion programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence...

CDC study follows measles outbreak amid declining vaccination rates

US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning an extensive study on possible links between...

US weather agency faces big layoffs under Trump’s civil service cuts

US weather agency plans to fire 1,000 in second round of cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. weather agency, NOAA, plans to lay off 1,029 workers following 1,300 job cuts earlier this year. This...

New Mexico reports first measles-related death in over 40 years

Unvaccinated New Mexico adult tests positive for measles after death

SANTA FE: New Mexico: A New Mexico resident who died recently tested positive for measles, marking the state's first measles-related...

Sydney

Section