# Tragedy Strikes: Tennis World Mourns the Loss of a Legend
In a shocking turn of events, the tennis world is in mourning following the news that Italian tennis great Lea Pericoli has passed away at the age of 89 in her home in Milan. The announcement came just minutes ago, leaving fans and fellow athletes reeling from the loss of a beloved figure in the sport.
## A Trailblazer in Tennis
Lea Pericoli was a prominent figure in tennis during the 1960s, known for her elegance on and off the court. Despite never winning a Grand Slam title, she was Italy’s national No. 1 for 14 years and reached the doubles final at the Italian Open five times. Her contributions to the sport extended beyond her playing career; she became a pioneering commentator and journalist, breaking barriers for women in sports media [[2]](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-leads-tributes-as-tennis-world-mourns-death-of-italian-great-lea-pericoli-c-16296134).
## Overcoming Adversity
Pericoli’s life was marked by resilience. She overcame uterine cancer in 1973 and made a remarkable return to Grand Slam tennis in the mid-1970s. Later, she battled breast cancer and emerged victorious in 2012, showcasing her strength and determination [[2]](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-leads-tributes-as-tennis-world-mourns-death-of-italian-great-lea-pericoli-c-16296134). Her journey inspired many, and her legacy will continue to resonate within the tennis community.
## Tributes Pour In
The news of Pericoli’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Rafael Nadal, a modern-day tennis star, expressed his sorrow in Italian, saying, “Goodbye Lea. Thanks for everything. You will always be remembered by all of us.” Billie Jean King, a fellow tennis icon, reflected on their shared experiences on tour, stating, “It was an honour to have shared years on tour with Pericoli” [[2]](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-leads-tributes-as-tennis-world-mourns-death-of-italian-great-lea-pericoli-c-16296134).
Other notable figures, including Chris Evert and Jannik Sinner, also shared heartfelt messages, highlighting Pericoli’s warmth and influence on the sport. Flavia Pennetta, a US Open champion, described her as a mentor and a wonderful woman, emphasizing the profound impact she had on her life and career [[2]](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-leads-tributes-as-tennis-world-mourns-death-of-italian-great-lea-pericoli-c-16296134).
## A Lasting Legacy
Lea Pericoli’s legacy is not only defined by her achievements on the court but also by her role as a trailblazer for women in tennis. The Italian Tennis Federation honored her as “a queen on the court and a master of elegance,” recognizing her contributions to the sport and her influence on future generations [[2]](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-leads-tributes-as-tennis-world-mourns-death-of-italian-great-lea-pericoli-c-16296134).
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