LEA PERICOLI, ITALIAN TENNIS ICON, DIES AT 89.(PHOTOS).
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Lea Pericoli, Italian Tennis Icon, Dies at 89
Lea Pericoli, the celebrated Italian tennis star, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for her remarkable achievements in the 1950s and 60s, Pericoli reached the last 16 of the French Open twice and made it to the Wimbledon championships three times. Beyond her athletic prowess, she was a fashion icon, famous for her extravagant outfits adorned with feathers and fur.
Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “She was a bit like the mother to all of us.” Pericoli held the title of Italy's number one player for an impressive 14 years from 1959 to 1976 and was a 27-time national champion. Current world number one Jannik Sinner paid tribute on Instagram, calling her “a great lady and legend of Italian tennis.”
In addition to her tennis career, Pericoli became a popular television presenter and journalist. She bravely battled cancer twice, overcoming uterine cancer in 1973 and breast cancer in 2012. Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal also mourned her passing on Instagram, thanking her for everything and affirming that she will always be remembered.
More photos below.
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