GettyLea Pericoli, the Italian tennis star of the 1950s and 60s, has died aged 89.
Considered one of his country’s top players, he reached the Last 16 of the French Open twice and the Wimbledon tournament three times.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Pericoli’s feather and fur-embellished pageant costumes have made her a style icon.
Born on 22 March 1935 in Milan, he later became a famous television presenter and journalist.
“She was like a mother to all of us,” Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, told local media.
GettyPericoli was Italy’s number one for 14 years between 1959 and 1976, according to the coalition.
This organization said that he has also been a national champion 27 times.
The current top male player in the world Jannik Sinner, who is also Italian, paid tribute to Pericoli on Instagram, posting a photo of the two and the message: “A special moment that I will remember forever. A great lady and a legend of Italian tennis”.
Getty ImagesFormer Spanish number one Rafael Nadal also mourned Pericoli’s death on Instagram, saying “thank you for everything. You will always be missed by all of us”.
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