The ITF is saddened to learn of the passing of former Italian tennis player Lea Pericoli at the age of 89.

As a player, Pericoli reached the last 16 of the French Championships in 1960 and 1964 as well as the fourth round at Wimbledon on three occasions.

It was Milan-born Pericoli’s clothing, however, which tended to generate as much interest as her on-court performances, with a fur-lined number worn at the 1964 Wimbledon Championships particularly eye-catching.

Pericoli also represented Italy in Billie Jean King Cup – known at the time as Fed Cup – and made her debut in the competition's inaugural year of 1963. She won 15 of the 30 matches she contested in national team colours across singles and doubles.

Following her tennis career, Pericoli became a popular television presenter and journalist. She will be sorely missed by the tennis family and the thoughts of everyone at the ITF are with Lea’s family and friends at this sad time.