Style, fashion and class: tennis iconLea Pericoli, star of Italian tennis, has passed away today at the age of 89. Lea, Italian number one for 14 years between 1959 and 1976, brought Italian women's tennis to another level of awareness: thanks to an extraordinary elegance, on and off the court, the Italian was the first tennis star of her country, the first to succeed in reawakening interest in women's tennis in Italy.
In fact, it was thanks to Lea that many people approached tennis, talking about it with passion in newspapers and on television, living in a period of great social change, emancipation and renewal.
Pericoli won 27 titles in the national championships in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Among her best results achieved at Slam level, she can boast four qualifications to the round of 16 of Roland Garros (1955, 1960, 1964 and 1971) and three times at Wimbledon (1965, 1967 and 1970).
Former star Nicola Pietrangeli, Lea's mixed doubles partner, with whom she shared one of the golden eras of Italian tennis, said, in an emotional message:
"She was a sister and a life partner to me. Words aren't enough to describe how I feel. The last time we saw each other was last year at the Finals in Turin. Then Lea was a bit withdrawn. I suffer because I won't even be able to go to the funeral. I will be criticized but I hope people understand."
Italian former player Paolo Bertolucci wrote in a social post: "I was no taller than the racket when I met you and at times we walked together on the courts. Say hello to your maestro Gino!"
President of the Italian Olympic Committee Giovanni Malag added: "Another piece of news that leaves us with infinite sadness, Lea the lady of Italian tennis, of sport in our country. She began a journey that has reached our days, she was a trailblazer. Italian sport and the federation will know how to remember her in the best way because we are very grateful for everything she has given, not only to tennis but to sport in general."
