Farewell to Lea Pericoli, the ‘Lady of Italian Tennis’

Lea Pericoli, the “Lady of Tennis”, has left us at the age of 89. She was one of the first women to cover tennis in newspapers and on television after her career at the highest level. Class and style characterized their entire history. With 27 titles in the national championships in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, she has written an important page in Italian women’s tennis history. Her death did not leave former tennis player Nicola Pietrangeli unaffected.

Pietrangeli’s reaction

“For me she was a sister and companion. “Words are not enough to describe what I feel,” Nicola Pietrangeli said in a broken voice on the phone to ANSA as he remembered Lea Pericoli, who died today at the age of 89. “The last time we saw our senior year was at the finals in Turin.” “After that, Lea withdrew a bit,” Pietrangeli added with obvious emotion. “I’m suffering because I can’t even go to the funeral. I will be criticized, but I hope people understand.”

Malagò’s reaction

“Another message that leaves us with infinite sadness, Lea, the lady of Italian tennis, of sport in general in our country.” She started a path that continues to our days, she was a pioneer. “Italian sport and the Federation will know how best to remember her because we are very grateful to her for everything she gave, not only in tennis but in sport in general,” said the president of the CONI , Giovanni Malagò, as he remembered the Italian tennis player Lea Pericoli.

Bertolucci’s reaction

“I met her when I was a little child,” Paolo Bertolucci told Sky Sport. “I followed the last part of her career, we met many times and commented on games together.” She created a unique art of being on the pitch, she was an elegant, pleasant woman and a great master. She certainly had an important role when I entered big tennis, we also played a few games together.”