Rafael Nadal has led tributes from around the tennis world after Italian great Lea Pericoli died aged 89 in Milan.
The former national No.1 was a regular at the French Open and Wimbledon in the 1960s, and her popularity soared even though she never became a grand slam champion.
Pericoli was noted for her outfits, with the Italian tennis federation describing her as “a queen on the court and a master of elegance”.
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She became a trailblazing commentator and journalist after retiring from the sport.
“She was one of the first women to talk about tennis in newspapers and on TV after having played it at the highest levels,” the Italian federation said.
Pericoli won several titles on the international tour and was a constant threat at her home Italian Open, even reaching the doubles final five times.
She was Italy’s No.1 for 14 years between 1959 and 1976 and ranked second in the four years she was not at the top.
Pericoli overcame uterine cancer in 1973 to return to grand slam tennis in 1974 and 1975, and she also beat breast cancer in 2012.
Her standing in tennis is reflected in the tributes from around the globe with fellow 1960s star Billie Jean King joined by reflections from the likes of modern-day stars Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner.
Nadal wrote his tribute in Italian.
“Goodbye Lea. Thanks for everything. You will always be remembered by all of us,” he said.
King said “it was an honour” to have shared years on tour with Pericoli.
“She was adored by fans in Italy, and those from all over the world. And in addition to her on-court talent, she led the way in fashion as well. May she rest in peace,” King wrote.
Chris Evert said: “RIP Lea Pericoli, a wonderful, warm, and stylish Italian tennis great of the 50s and 60s. Always had kind words for me and my generation…. Never to be forgotten.”
Sinner, Italy’s first ever world No.1, paid tribute with a memory of an exchange with Pericoli at a tournament.
“A special moment that I will remember forever. A great lady and legend of Italian tennis,” he said.
US Open champion Flavia Pennetta, who led Italy to five Fed Cup triumphs, paid an emotional tribute to one of her mentors.
“We all got some bad news this morning. You left, Lea, leaving a big hole in all of us,” she wrote.
“You were a wonderful woman before you were even a legend in our sport. I have been fortunate to know you and share with you amazing moments of my career and life.
“I will carry your precious teachings with me forever. Bye Lea, rest in peace.”
Fellow Italian tennis stars Matteo Berrettini and Sara Errani also farewelled Pericoli.
